Highways structural maintenance

We recognise the importance of our highway infrastructure and how an effectively maintained and managed network contributes to the local economy and in achieving our corporate goals.

This 'Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Strategy' sets out how we will manage the highway network, taking into consideration customer needs, local priorities and asset condition. It presents our strategy for the management of our highway assets as at April 2016 and allows planning over both the short and long term, whilst delivering a minimum whole life cost.

Condition surveys of all the district's roads and some footways are undertaken, in accordance with:

• Government National Indicator NI168 Principal Roads where maintenance should be considered

• Government National Indicator NI169 Non-principal Roads where maintenance should be considered

• Local Indicators for condition of unclassified roads and footways

When the condition surveys are completed the Asset Management Team investigate sites to prioritise and identify treatments.

The annual programme includes all types of carriageway treatments, but please see note at the foot of this page.

Alterations to Programme of Works

If, due to unforeseen circumstances, the programme requires altering or is delayed, the altered or delayed works will take place as soon as is practicable. For example, thin surfacing treatments are very weather susceptible, if this work is not undertaken within the current financial year, it will be undertaken during the following year.

Treatment Descriptions

Roads

Thin surfacing or surface dressing - can be used successfully on all types of roads to provide skid-resistance, a sealed waterproof surface and a more uniform appearance. A fine stone, mixed with bitumen, is spread on the road as a finished surface.

Planing and resurfacing - used at locations where the existing surface of the road needs replacing. A machine first removes the old surface and this is then replaced with a new material. This treatment will strengthen the road and improve ride quality.
Reconstruction - used at locations where the strength of the road has failed. The damaged areas will be removed and renewed, to restore strength and improve ride quality.

Footway

Thin surfacing - used at locations to provide a sealed surface and gives a more uniform appearance. A fine stone, mixed with bitumen, is spread on the footway.

Reconstruction - used at locations where the strength of the footway has failed. The damaged areas will be removed and renewed, to restore strength and improve ride quality.