A huge programme of works is under way across Manchester to make sure our road network is in good condition as we head towards colder and wetter months.
From the start of August through to the end of the month, highways crews will be out in force, carrying out surface dressing at nearly 30 locations across the city.
Surface dressing is a cost-effective treatment that helps protect roads from everyday wear and tear. By sealing the road surface, it prevents water from entering small cracks and causing further deterioration.
With the majority damage cause to the road surface during the winter months, work like this is vital to ensure the health of our road network, extending the life of our roads and reduce the need for more disruptive repairs in the future.
Over the course of just two weeks, highways crews will treat approximately 154,000 square metres of road surface, covering more than 21 kilometres of carriageway across Manchester, roughly the distance from Manchester city centre to Glossop.
The programme also incorporates the use of recycled granite chippings as part of Manchester City Council's commitment to more sustainable highway maintenance.
Some of the roads included in this year's programme are:
Alan Turing Way
Wythenshawe Road
Princess Road
Yew Tree Lane
Barlow Moor Road
For a full list of roads included in the programme visit out website here.
How the works are carried out
The works are delivered in two phases.
During the first phase, the road is prepared and treated with a specialist binder and stone chippings, creating a protective seal over the surface.
Drivers may notice loose chippings while the treatment settles, and temporary speed restrictions may be in place.
During the second phase, crews return to apply a lock coat treatment, remove any remaining loose material and reinstate road markings.
Surface dressing is a weather-sensitive treatment, and all works are weather permitting. Dates may be subject to change at short notice to ensure the treatment can be applied safely and effectively.
Councillor Mandie Shilton Godwin, Executive Member for Clean Air, Environment and Transport, said:
This work is part of the ongoing work we're doing as a Council to improve our highways network. From talking to the public we know that this is one of their key issues and we are keen to deliver on what matters most to our residents.
"Since 2017 we've made huge strides, seeing the proportion of our roads deemed 'poor' reduce from 25%, to only 12% in 2024.
"Continued investment in our network has seen more than 100km of footways and roads resurfaced during the previous financial year, alongside the repair of more than 10,000 potholes.
"We are working to carry out this round of works as quickly as possible, and I'd like to thank drivers in advance for their patience.
