Preventative micro-asphalting for more Plymouth roads
Another programme of protective micro-asphalting is underway on Plymouth’s roads.
Micro-asphalting is used as a preventative measure on roads showing the first signs of wear and tear, tackling damage in its early stages to reduce costs in the future. As well as extending the life of the road it increases skid resistance, which improves road safety.
Only the very top surface needs to be treated to make the road watertight and help prevent further deterioration. The road doesn’t need to be planed off (as it does for resurfacing) and it can be reopened soon after treatment, which saves time and money and means less disruption to motorists.
The works, being carried out by Plymouth City Council’s highway contractor Amey, will see around 110,000 square metres of new surface laid on 27 roads across the city. This is in addition to the resurfacing programme that is already under way, which is treating a further 14 roads.
Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Micro-asphalting allows us to tackle surface deterioration early and protect against future damage that would be more costly to repair. Preventative measures like this are vital if we are to improve Plymouth’s road network in the longer term.”
The roads being micro-asphalted during the first two weeks are:
- Barndale Crescent: Tuesday 31 March
- Citadel Road: Tuesday 31 March and Wednesday 1 April
- West Hoe Road: Wednesday 1 April and Thursday 2 April
- Buena Vista Drive: Tuesday 7 April
- Rheola Gardens: Wednesday 8 April
- Keswick Crescent: Thursday 9 and Friday 10 April
- St Levan Road: Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 April
It is normal for some stones to detach from the new surface over the first few weeks as it stabilises and a mechanical sweeper will visit to remove the chippings. Colour variations will also take place over the first seven days as part of the curing process.
Residents and businesses near the works are being notified in advance by letter and, where road closures are required diversion routes will be signed. Access to properties will be maintained when and where possible. Works are weather dependent and may be subject to change.
The full list of roads being micro asphalted will be available soon at www.plymouth.gov.uk/roadrepairs.
