Road repair blitz has ‘positive effect’ on network

Road repair teams have been working around the clock and across the district as part of Bath & North East Somerset Council’s efforts to improve highway conditions following the atrocious weather conditions earlier in the year.

Bath & North East Somerset Council roads team at work at Charlton Road, Keynsham as part of its multi-million pound highway improvement programme.

As part of the Council’s £6.5 million road surface improvement budget for 2010/11, an increase of 85% on last year, it was decided to bring forward £500,000 to this financial year to deal with the problems caused by the terrible weather immediately. The improvements conducted so far are as follows:

· 3,783 square metres of roads and pavements patched;

· 1,665 potholes filled;

· Attended and repaired 292 emergency highway incidents and defects with our round the clock Winter Service;

· The normal programme of surface dressing also continues.

Councillor Charles Gerrish (Conservative, Keynsham North), Cabinet Member for Customer Services, said, “Investing an immediate half a million pounds into repairing some of the most serious damage caused by the Winter weather is having a positive effect on the road network, although the Council recognises there is still work to be done across the district.

“Because of the extra investment starting from April, the Council will be able to complete more planned maintenance, like surface dressing, that will prevent the future deterioration of the roads which will save local taxpayers money in the long-term.”

Highways across the country were badly affected by the cold snap. Snow and ice are the worst weather conditions for exacerbating any problems due to the repetition of the freeze-thaw process and create a fragile road surface which is highly susceptible to damage.

How to report problems

The quickest and most convenient method for residents to report significant concerns about roads and pavements is to call Council Connect on 01225 394041 between 8am (9.30am Wednesday) and 6pm Monday to Friday or email councilconnect@bathnes.gov.uk at any time day or night or text 07797 806545.

More information

Residents can view the important role our highways inspectors play in improving the highways by viewing our short video, which includes a demonstration of how potholes are filled. Go to: www.bathnes.gov.uk/roadsvideo

For more information on how we manage the network go to: www.bathnes.gov.uk/improvinghighways