Crumbling Manchester roads set to get 'surface dressing' treatment

Town hall bosses have published a list of crumbling roads in a Greater Manchester borough which are set to undergo repairs.

‘Surface dressing’ which includes adding a layer on top of the existing tarmac to increase the lifespan of the road is deemed by Trafford council to be ‘cost effective maintenance treatment’.

The roads to be improved ins Sale and Timperley are: Cromer Road, in Brooklands ward; Clarendon Crescent, in and Roebuck Lane, both Sale Central ward; Clarendon Road, from Carlyn Avenue to Northenden Road; Daisyhill Close; Evesham Grove; Hampson Street; James Street, from Alice Street to Northenden Road; Northenden Road, from Norris Road to Wythenshawe Road, all Sale Moor ward; Burton Avenue; Eaton Drive; Hodgson Drive; Radlet Drive; Sylvan Avenue sub-sections and Tabley Grove, all Timperley North.

Coun Stephen Adshead, Trafford Council’s Executive Member for Highways, Environmental and Traded Services, said: “The One Trafford Partnership is committed to continuing to improve our highways

In the interest of safety and keeping them properly maintained. We apologise in advance if these works cause some disruption and noise, we will do everything to minimise any inconvenience.”

The work involves spraying hot bitumen (a sticky, tar-like substance) onto the road, spreading small stones (chippings) on top of the bitumen and rolling the surface to press the stones in.

Over time, traffic helps to bed the stones in fully. The surface dressing work has a positive effect on the road because it seals the road to stop water getting in (which can cause potholes), improves grip for vehicles and extends the life of the road without needing a full resurfacing.