‘War on potholes’ declared

Potholes are one of our biggest grumbles here in Notts. But the county council has come up with a master plan to repair our roads.
Potholes on the roads in and around Worksop, pictured is junction of Manton Villas (w130206-4k)Potholes on the roads in and around Worksop, pictured is junction of Manton Villas (w130206-4k)
Potholes on the roads in and around Worksop, pictured is junction of Manton Villas (w130206-4k)

Notts County Council has declared ‘war’ on the crumbling craters, with a three-point improvement plan.

Currently the authority aims to fix within three or four days potholes more than two inches deep, since by that stage the damage has penetrated the top layer of asphalt and will quickly deteriorate.

But the new approach is to put more repairs into a planned programme of fixing.

It will take a little longer - three to four weeks rather than three to four days - but repairs will be longer lasting.

In addition, the council is increasing the amount of new surfacing laid on the county’s roads.

This will be paid for through its capital programme, efficiency savings from a new highways contract with Lafarge Tarmac, and additional capital funding of £2 million from the Government for 2013/14.

The third prong of attack will see more done to preserve the condition of roads through surface dressing, which effectively waterproofs the surface.

Surface dressing uses bitumen and chips put down over an existing road in good condition, which can help it last another 10 to 20 years depending on underlying conditions, weather and usage.

The aim for 2013/14 is to use an extra £1 million to repair 5,000 more potholes.

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