County roads get annual overhaul

West Sussex County Council has started work on its annual series of surface dressing schemes.

Surface dressing involves spraying a coating of bitumen on to the road, followed by one or more layers of hard stone chippings.

The programme of more than 150 roads throughout the county are scheduled to be resurfaced in this way over the next two months.

Lionel Barnard, Deputy Leader of the County Council with responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “Surface dressing is carried out every year. This year the programme has been increased to seal in repairs carried out following another severe winter as well as to protect against future weather damage.

“This is a very cost effective way of protecting and prolonging the life of our roads. It’s quick and easy and traffic can be allowed to run on the new surface almost immediately - avoiding lengthy closures and disruption.

“Sealing the road in this way prevents water getting into the foundations and weakening the road, which can lead to potholes developing. Other benefits include an increase in skid resistance which helps improve road safety.”