A PROGRAMME of pavement improvement works across the borough is getting under way this week.
Around 160 footways have been identified that can be improved and the council aims to treat a minimum of 30 this year and roll out a five-year programme to deliver the improvements.
The council has carried out improvement works to more than 800 major and residential roads since 2019, investing initially £9m and then a further £8m on an extensive road and footway maintenance programme
This has resulted in the number of residential roads officially classified as in ‘good’ condition rising from 35% to 79%, and a 39% reduction in pothole reports from the public.
An “innovative” new process is being used to upgrade footpaths which protects them from deterioration for years to come.
It is also quicker, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly than fully resurfacing but effective in maintaining the pavement at a high standard for longer.
A minimum of 30 stretches of footway which are in relatively good condition but showing signs of deterioration will be treated using a bitumen sealing process.
The technique uses a water-based product that penetrates into the surface, sealing fine cracks and protecting it from water ingress and weathering.
The process slows down deterioration, helps preserve skid resistance and extends the life of the pavement while improving its overall appearance.
Other benefits of the process are that the treatment is cold applied, giving it a lower carbon footprint than traditional methods.
There is also less inconvenience for residents as ease of application means the pavement should be ready to use again within a day
The method extends the life of a pavement for up to 10 years before resurfacing is required, and work can be carried out by the council’s own Highways team, reducing time and costs.
Time and financial savings also means more footways can be improved.
The council was one of the first local authorities to successfully trial the technique in autumn 2024.
Cllr Finn McGoldrick, Lead Councillor for Environmental Services and Community Safety, said: “This administration has invested record amounts in our roads and pavements.
“That is why the quality of our residential roads has increased, and the number of reported potholes has gone down.
“Our priority is delivering for residents which is why I am so pleased our investment in a new innovative maintenance process means we can extend the life of more footways at a lower cost and with less inconvenience to households.
“The fact that the work can be carried out by the Council’s own Highways team means they can be more reactive and adaptable.
“On top of that, it is much more environmentally friendly than traditional methods of resurfacing.”
Households should receive letters in advance of any works taking place in their area, requesting they do not park vehicles adjacent to the footway being improved. Advanced warning signs will also be placed on site.
