Surface dressing - frequently asked questions

What is surface dressing?
Surface dressing is preventative work to significantly extend a road’s life. It costs less than a tenth of full resurfacing and means that more money is available to invest in resurfacing where it is most needed.

Surface dressing restores skid resistance, seals the road to prevent water getting in and reduces the likelihood of potholes

It involves spraying hot bitumen - a tar like substance - onto roads, applying chippings and then rolling the road. The chippings bed down as traffic uses the road.

Why is surface dressing only done in the summer?
Surface dressing requires summer temperatures to be effective. That is why it takes place between May and September.

How will I know if my street is going to be surface dressed?
Signs are put up to say that the work will take place during the May to September period.

Our contractors will then send you a notification letter in advance of work starting. They will also put up signs explaining what is going on and containing their contact details.

Sometimes weather conditions prevent surface dressing. For the latest information telephone 0117 922 2100.

My family owns and parks several cars on the street. Will there still be space for us to park?
You will have to remove the vehicles if your street or its footways are being surface dressed.

The contractor’s letter will say when your vehicles will need to be off the road and for how long.

We rely on people co-operating with us during the works. This helps us to avoid delays and extra expense.

No one has a legal right to park on a road regardless of lines or boxes. Tow away schemes are in operation during surface dressing.

Will I still be able to get to my driveway while the road is being resurfaced?
In most cases you will be able to use your drive.

You may need to wait for the workman to move equipment so you can enter your drive. If in doubt please park in a safe location and speak to the site foreman.

What if I am having a funeral, a delivery or moving house?
Please speak to the site foreman for advice. They will do their best to accommodate your needs.

What happens during the works?
Where possible work is carried out between 8am and 5pm. Or 9.30am and 3.30pm on busy roads. Work will be delayed if the weather is too hot, humid or wet. For the latest information telephone 0117 922 2100.

What happens after the works?
The new surface can be driven on almost immediately.

Materials may get on to wheels or shoes after resurfacing and this can continue to happen for a few days.

Please take extra care to inspect your shoes etc, before entering your property or vehicle.

There may be excess chippings on the road surface, however the road will be swept within 24 hours to remove excess chippings and on further occasions if necessary.

Gullies and manholes will be raised to the new road surface level if necessary.

Road markings, including verified disabled parking bays, will be repainted as soon as possible.

What can you do to help?

• Do not leave your vehicle on the road when work is due to start.
• Drive carefully and keep to the speed limit when ‘loose chippings’ signs are displayed. Avoid sudden braking or overtaking.
• Try not to walk on newly dressed roads until the surface has set. Remove your outdoor shoes before entering your home. Taking these precautions will reduce the risk of bitumen and chippings getting into your home or vehicle.  Bitumen can be removed from shoes, wheels and clothing by using turpentine or white spirit.

 
For further information contact 0117 922 2100.