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

• United Kingdom Pavement Management Systems - Visual Survey Manual.
• 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.

This will result in a provisional three-year programme of various treatments to the district roads and footways upon which roadworks are based. See 'Downloads' for a copy of the latest programme of works.

Every effort is made to guarantee this programme but there are unforeseen circumstances which may alter priorities. As such the programme should only be considered as a guide and is reviewed on an annual basis.

Alterations to Programme

If, due to unforeseen circumstances, the programme requires altering or is delayed, the altered / 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 / 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 tar, is spread on the road as a finished surface. (See 'Downloads' for the Surface Dressing Programme 2008-2009)

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.

Onsite Recycling - used at locations where the existing surface of the road needs replacing. There are a number of ways this can be done, but the most common is referred to as "Retread". A machine firstly breaks up the old surface; this material is then mixed with tar and re-laid. 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 tar, 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.