Innovative new low carbon techniques will be used to treat several concrete roads in the city and significantly reduce their chance of developing potholes in the future.
Work will begin in August on a project to improve the long-term durability of roads in parts of Bevendean, extending their life and lowering the need for future maintenance.
County Oak Avenue was treated using these techniques in 2021.
The improvements are being paid for by the council’s Carbon Neutral Fund, improving the condition of the city’s roads and reducing the need for future repairs, keeping materials in use for as long as possible.
The roads being worked on initially are:
- Auckland Drive (Hornby Road to Heath Hill Avenue)
- Hornby Road, (Auckland Drive to Ludlow Rise)
- Taunton Road, (Taunton Way to Heath Hill Avenue)
- Norwich Drive, (Heath Hill Avenue to Bodium Avenue)
The first three areas are expected to take 7-10 days each to complete while Norwich Drive will need 4-5 weeks. This is because of the size of the road and area being worked on. We are writing to all those addresses directly affected by the work.
How it works
Working with our contractor RJ Dance, this project involves removing the existing asphalt surface (the black top surface) and repairing the concrete joints underneath using a specialised material called Techcrete, a flexible jointing material.
The process creates a textured surface on the exposed concrete.
This puts skid resistance into the concrete and ensures noise levels and ride quality are not negatively impacted.
Image: Before and after images of County Oak Avenue
Thank you for your patience
During the work:
- Local bus stops will be suspended on roads whilst works are taking place, however bus services will still be running via a diversion route.
- Vehicle access from any adjoining driveways, while the contractor is working outside of them, will not be possible. There will be access both before and after work at the start and end of each day.
- Any vehicles left parked on the road within the area of work will be removed from the site and relocated to an adjacent road away from the scheme.
- Pedestrian access to/from properties will be maintained at all times.
We understand that road maintenance projects can be disruptive, and we’ll do our best to minimise inconvenience. We thank residents for their patience.
Reducing the need for pothole repair
Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee said: “We all know how frustrating potholes on our roads can be.
“This project will mean we’ll be reducing the chances of them appearing almost completely and significantly lowering the need to come back and repair and maintain the road time and time again.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the finished result that will really benefit motorists, cyclists and all road users.”
Jacob Taylor, ward councillor for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean said: “I’d like to say on behalf of myself and fellow ward councillors Amanda Evans and Ty Goddard, that we’re delighted work will be starting this summer in the lower Bevendean area.
“We know that potholes are an issue nationwide and can be hugely frustrating so I’m sure residents will be happy to hear this is going to significantly reduce the chances of them reappearing.”