Over one million square metres of Lancashire roads improved using surface dressing
More than one million square metres of roads across Lancashire have been treated this year – helping to improve road condition, prevent potholes and make them last longer.
Surface dressing is a preventative maintenance technique that helps stop potholes forming by sealing the road surface and preventing water getting in. The programme is delivered across Lancashire each year during the spring and summer months, when weather conditions are suitable.
This approach allows the council to make the best use of taxpayers’ money by reducing the need for more costly and disruptive repairs later.
This year's programme will run until August, with the council on track to treat between 1.3 and 1.5 million square metres in total – double the amount completed last year and the most in many years.
It's currently being delivered at locations across Lancashire, including routes in Preston, Chorley, South Ribble and Burnley, as part of a planned countywide programme to maintain roads.
Surface dressing is being applied to roads across Lancashire
Surface dressing involves applying a layer of bitumen followed by stone chippings to seal the road surface. This helps stop water getting in, improves grip for drivers and helps prevent potholes so roads last longer.
Before the treatment is applied, any necessary repairs are carried out to make sure the road is in the right condition. Surface dressing is only used on suitable roads in good condition, where it can help prevent deterioration, and isn’t appropriate for heavily damaged roads or high‑stress areas like busy junctions.
The work is carried out in stages, so residents may notice loose chippings immediately after treatment or a short delay before road markings are refreshed. This is a normal part of the process, with follow-up visits carried out once the new surface has settled.
Residents may see these signs while we undertake this work
Cllr Warren Goldsworthy, cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said:
“We know the condition of roads is important to residents, and surface dressing is one of the most effective ways we can look after them.
“It allows us to treat roads at the right time, helping to prevent potholes forming and reducing the need for bigger, more disruptive repairs later on.
“While the process can look unusual at first, it plays a vital role in keeping roads in good condition and improving grip for drivers.”
The surface dressing programme is part of Lancashire County Council’s wider investment in highways, with £72 million being invested this year to improve and maintain roads across the county, focusing on the routes people use every day.
An additional £5 million has also recently been approved to support further improvements, including preventative treatments such as surface dressing on key parts of the network.
Cllr Goldsworthy added:
“We want people to feel proud of where they live, and investing in our roads is a key part of that.
“That’s why we’re continuing to invest in maintaining and improving roads across Lancashire, so communities can see and feel the difference in their local area.”