en.Wedoany.com Reported - Westmorland and Furness Council is investing £3.4 million in a road surface treatment program, expected to provide preventive treatment for approximately 67 miles of roads by the end of August, improving road conditions and delaying pothole formation for up to 10 years.
The program covers 60 roads in the region, all of which have undergone preparatory work and permanent repairs before surface treatment. Over the next few weeks, more than 650,000 square meters of carriageway will be treated.
Surface treatment protects roads by sealing the pavement and preventing water from penetrating the underlying structure, which is particularly important in winter when freezing temperatures and wet weather accelerate road deterioration and lead to pothole formation. The process involves applying a layer of hot bitumen to the road surface, covering it with chippings, and rolling them into place to create a durable surface. Treated roads are typically open to traffic immediately, but temporary speed restrictions are imposed to help embed the chippings. Approximately one week after completion, a final sweep is carried out, and road markings are reinstated.
Residents near planned construction sites will be informed approximately two weeks in advance via roadside advance warning signs, and leaflets will be distributed locally before work begins. Since treatment can only be carried out in dry conditions, start dates are subject to weather and may be adjusted at short notice.
The roads selected for this year's program were identified through routine inspections that detected early signs of wear and deterioration. By intervening before significant damage occurs, the council aims to avoid more costly repairs, such as full resurfacing projects and reactive pothole repairs. This surface treatment program is part of the council's £32 million highway investment plan for 2026/27, which also includes resurfacing works, pothole repairs, and improvements to footpaths, cycle paths, drainage systems, bridges, retaining walls, and other highway infrastructure.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council's cabinet member for highways and information communication technology, stated that adverse weather and freezing temperatures have damaged road conditions, making proactive maintenance and network improvement a priority. He noted that the surface treatment program can mitigate winter impacts and prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems like potholes. This treatment is not only a quick and effective method for maintaining the road network but also reduces environmental impact and maximizes the value of expenditure. After each project, excess chippings are swept and collected from the roadside for recycling in future programs; for example, 2,500 tonnes of chippings recovered from the 2025 program have been reused this year. Thornton emphasized that surface treatment is part of the overall highway investment that is improving conditions across the region.
The program is being carried out by specialist contractor Kiely Bros Ltd. The 2026 program is a continuation of a series of surface treatment projects since 2023, which have improved over 200 miles of roads in the region. Mike Kiely, Managing Director of Kiely Bros Ltd, stated that working with a council that takes a long-term, proactive approach to maintaining the highway network ensures that investment targets areas where local communities will benefit most. Surface treatment remains one of the most effective and cost-efficient maintenance treatments, helping to protect the road surface, improve skid resistance, and reduce the likelihood of pothole formation. The completion of this year's program will play a significant role in protecting and improving the condition of the road network in the years to come.
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