Surface Dressing

Surface dressing is a cost-effective way of restoring the road surface and sealing it in one process. The surface dressing also:

• improves skidding resistance which makes the roads safer
• helps to make a road waterproof
• protects the road against frost and water damage which causes potholes

 

 

Surface dressing involves treating roads which are in relatively good condition.

First, we spray the road with a bitumen binder, followed by a layer of stone chippings. The dressing is then rolled, which, together with the actions of slow-moving traffic, embeds the stone chips into the surface. Each site is then swept to collect the surplus chippings.

Roads that are being surface dressed this year

All the roads due to be surface dressed this year can be seen on the map below. You will be able to view details about the work, including a provisional start date. The sites will change colour once the works have been completed.

This is a preview version of our new maps that allow us to share our works as they happen. We are aware there may be some display issues when using this map on certain devices. Please bear with us while we work to improve and if you would like to comment please use our Feedback Form.

When work will take place

Surface dressing depends heavily on the weather, so our programme needs to stay flexible. During unsettled conditions, planned start dates may change several times.

You can check a provisional start date on the map above. We also aim to put signs on site at least 24 hours before work begins. In periods of good weather, we will place advance notice boards earlier where possible.

How long the work will take

Most sites are completed within a single day. Larger sites may take between one and three days.

Sweeping will take place several times over the following week, and any road markings and cat’s eyes will then be replaced.

If the road needs to be closed

In most cases, roads stay open and traffic is managed with stop/go boards. Some narrow locations may need a short, temporary road closure to keep everyone safe. There may also be brief periods when access to properties is not possible.

If you have specific access needs, please speak to the team on site – they will usually be able to help.

Why we are surface dressing instead of resurfacing

Surface dressing is often mistaken for a cheaper alternative to resurfacing, but they are completely different processes.

Resurfacing replaces layers of worn‑out road materials.

Surface dressing is used on roads still in good condition to extend their life and delay the need for full resurfacing. It works much like repainting wooden windows to prevent them from rotting. Resurfacing is still important in some cases, but it is more disruptive, more expensive and takes longer.

Why there are loose stone chips

Extra chips are laid to make sure the whole road is covered with no bare patches. These loose chips are pressed in by passing traffic. Surplus chips are then swept away.

Advisory speed limits remain in place for a few days to keep road users safe, protect the new surface and prevent vehicle damage.

Depending on the weather, we may add extra sweeping or dusting to reduce the impact on traffic.

How we minimise the risk of vehicle damage

Please follow all signs on site and observe the 20mph advisory speed limit. If these instructions are followed, vehicles should not be damaged.

If you believe your vehicle has been affected, record the details and contact us through our Insurance Claims page.

Why cat’s eyes have been removed

If cat’s eyes are missing, it is because the road is being prepared for future surface dressing. After the dressing is complete, the surface has settled and sweeping has taken place, the cat’s eyes and road markings will be reinstated.

How often surface dressing is needed

This varies, but a new carriageway is typically surface dressed around three times, at intervals of eight to fifteen years.

How we choose which roads to surface dress

Roads are selected through a detailed prioritisation process. This takes into account the available budget, mechanical surveys, inspections, work records and the importance of the route within the network.