Inspection and repair
Surface dressing
Surface dressing is a quick, low cost way of improving the condition and skid resistance of the road surface. It prevents water seeping into the foundations of the road and weakening it and delays the need to carry out more extensive and costly carriageway repairs.
What surface dressing involves
It involves spraying bitumen (a tar like substance) over the surface of the existing carriageway and covering it with a layer of stone chippings. As the bitumen sets the stone chippings are compacted in by the use of a roller and further assisted by vehicles travelling over the newly laid surface. Any excess chippings are then swept up.
How Calderdale Highways decide what roads are going to be treated
The highways throughout Calderdale are regularly inspected to ensure they are safe and to monitor their condition and rate of deterioration. Roads that would be suitable for surface dressing are highlighted throughout the year and are then included in the surface dressing programme for the following year.
When we carry out surface dressing
Surface dressing is carried out during the months of May to September. It is essential that the weather conditions are dry and warm to enable the bitumen to stick to the carriageway and ensure long-term stability of the dressing.
What Calderdale Highways will do
- Give advance notice of surface dressing works to residents and highway users.
- Provide signs throughout the duration of the treatment.
- Ensure excess chippings are swept away.
- Ensure the procedure is carried out to the highest standards.
What you can do
- Ensure you vehicle is not left on the road when it is due to be treated. This will help us complete the job quicker and reduce the risk of damage to vehicles.
- Drive carefully when ‘loose chippings’ signs are displayed. Keep within the speed limits (usually 20mph) and try to avoid any sudden breaking or overtaking.
- Nearby residents should take care not to walk on newly dressed roads until the bitumen has set properly. This will avoid bitumen sticking to shoes and pets and being transferred into the home. Remove your outdoor shoes before entering the home.
- Bitumen can be removed from shoes, wheels and clothing with the help of turpentine or white spirit.
Town Hall, Crossley Street, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX1 1UJ
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