THIS YEAR’S annual road surface dressing programme has been started by Worcestershire County Council after a successful winter gritting season.
As part of the gritting season, the council’s highways team deployed more than 5,000 tonnes of salt to keep Worcestershire’s road network safe and moving between October 2024 and April 2025.
Operations were supported by six strategically located depots and seven remotely monitored weather stations.
The dedicated efforts of both county council staff and contractor Ringway ensured roads remained in safe condition for all users.
A highways team spokesperson said: “While it hasn’t been the harshest of winters, our crews have worked tirelessly, sometimes around the clock, to make sure Worcestershire’s roads remained safe.
“We are grateful to all involved, especially those who take on winter duties in addition to their regular responsibilities.
“The positive feedback we receive from road users across the county reflects how much their work is appreciated.”
He added now attention turned to maintaining and improving the county’s roads.
“Surface dressing is a preventative maintenance treatment that involves spraying roads with bitumen, followed by stone chippings that are rolled in to seal the surface.
“It’s a quick and cost-effective method that can extend the life of a road by up to 10 years, while improving skid resistance and helping prevent potholes.
“Our teams are fully prepared and ready to deliver this year’s surface dressing programme.
“It’s a proven and efficient way to restore road surfaces and minimise long-term damage.
“Starting the work after the winter season allows us to carry it out under optimal conditions and with minimal disruption to residents and road users.”
Signs will be displayed on roads in advance of any surface dressing activity. The programme may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Visit: worcestershire.gov.uk/surfacedressing for more information.
