Surface dressing is a process that is used to improve the surface of roads and slows down the deterioration of the road surface.
The quick speed of the process means that there is minimal disruption for road users.
Surface dressing is a road maintenance technique where a bitumen binder is sprayed onto the road surface, followed by a layer of stone chippings.
These are then rolled in to create a new surface that improves the grip (skid resistance) and seals the road surface from water.
It's cost-effective and quick to apply.
It extends the life of the road by up to 10 to 15 years.
It improves skid resistance, making roads safer.
It reduces the need for more disruptive and expensive resurfacing.
Usually, between April and September, as the process requires warm, dry weather for the bitumen to adhere properly.
However, there are a limited number of specialised contractors in the UK carrying out this type of work and the exact time of the year they arrive on the island is down to the specific contractor.
This is because they move from one region to the other carrying out their annual surface dressing programs.
The actual dressing is usually completed within a few hours on smaller sites and on larger sites the works may take up to a day to complete.
However, the sweeping of loose chippings and reinstating the road markings and cats’ eyes wherever applicable may continue for several days or weeks afterwards.
A surplus of chippings is applied to ensure full coverage. These are gradually compacted by traffic and swept up periodically over the following few days and weeks.
The major A and B roads are treated under temporary traffic control which is usually convoy working or stop / go boards, but closures may be necessary for safety reasons on minor rural roads.
A road may need to be closed if the machinery being used to carry out the work is taking up the whole width of the road, and no vehicles will be able to pass.
Diversions may be signposted if it is a very large site being treated, but most of the sites on the Island will be small and completed within a few hours.
Access may be temporarily restricted (usually 20 to 30 minutes) due to safety reasons. Site staff are generally available and will be able to assist with access where possible.
Yes - advance warning signs are placed onsite (usually 5 to 7 days beforehand), and leaflets may be delivered to nearby businesses and properties prior to the works commencing if relevant resources are available.
Warning signs and speed limits of around 10 mph are put in place to reduce the risk. If these measures are followed, then damage is very unlikely.
A road may be surface dressed every 10 to 15 years, depending on traffic levels and the existing road surface condition.