Paving the way to better footways across Hampshire

The Hampshire highways teams are currently out across the county delivering an extensive programme of pavement improvements as part of Hampshire County Council’s Operation Resilience programme.

Councillor Rob Humby, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment, said: “Looking after Hampshire’s network of over 5,500 miles of road and 3,800 miles of footway is one of our top priorities. Our footway maintenance programme uses a variety of different treatments, including micro-asphalt, to ensure Hampshire’s footways are more resilient to the effects of winter weather and damage caused by cars parking on pavements.  The Hampshire programme sees an additional investment of £10 million each year where the most appropriate treatments are used to extend the life of footway and road surfaces, while at the same time getting the best value for money for Hampshire’s council taxpayers.”

The footway micro-asphalt programme is due to begin on over 90 sites across the county in October 2019. The work will normally take place between 8am and 5pm each day, with each site lasting one or two days, during which time sections of the footway will be closed.

Councillor Humby added: “This extensive surfacing programme will improve 33 km of footways across Hampshire. The micro-asphalt operation uses cold bituminous materials which are laid wet and can take up to two hours to cure. As a result, access straight after application is likely to be restricted, however, operatives will be available on site to assist with access where possible. I would ask that people plan their travel and parking arrangements in advance and allow extra time for journeys during this time. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise in advance for any inconvenience these essential works may cause but hope people will bear with us while improvements are made to footways in their communities.”

In order for the workforce to progress as quickly as possible, residents are being asked to ensure no vehicles are parked on the road or pavements on the day of the treatment. Local residents will be notified of the dates of the work in advance.

Yellow sign boards on site will provide advance warning of the treatment and the dates on these signs will provide a working window when the treatment is likely to take place. The dates will include some flexibility as the micro-asphalt treatment is weather dependant which can sometimes lead to programme postponements.

Micro asphalt is now an industry standard treatment designed to protect and extend the life of the existing surface. To conform with the relevant standards, a texture is brushed into the new surface to make sure the footway does not become slippery during wet weather.

For further information on micro asphalt dressing and other forms of highways maintenance please visit our website:
http://www3.hants.gov.uk/roads/hampshire-roadworks/surface-dressing.htm

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