Somerset Council is set to surface dress nearly 100 roads across the county this summer as part of its ongoing highways maintenance programme. This essential work will help prevent further road damage, enhance driver safety, and improve traction.
Surface dressing is a widely used maintenance method that seals the road surface, increases skid resistance, and prevents water from seeping underneath — a key factor in reducing pothole formation. The process involves applying a layer of bitumen followed by stone chippings, which are then rolled to create a durable surface.
Since the work depends heavily on warm, dry weather, the schedule for each road section may change at short notice and could extend beyond summer if conditions are unfavorable.
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Most surface dressing jobs will be completed within a day or just a few hours by the council’s contractor, Keily Bros. Larger sites may require up to three days. In general, roads will remain open with traffic managed via stop/go boards. However, some narrow roads may face brief temporary closures.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, the portfolio holder for transport and waste services, emphasized the importance of the programme: “Every summer, we carry out this vital work to keep our road network safe and efficient. Surface dressing is like repainting wooden windows — regular maintenance is essential to extend the life of our roads.”
For more information and updates on roadworks, residents can visit www.somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/roadworks-and-travel.