Types of improvements

There are several different methods used to improve highways in Trafford. The selection of method depends on the condition of the carriageway or footway. These methods include, but are not limited to:

• Surface (or preventative) treatment – material is laid over the top of the old highway surface It can extend the life of the road by up to 10 to 15 years and protects the structure from water ingress.
• Resurfacing – some or all of the existing surface of the highway is removed and replaced by a new surface layer.
• Reconstruction – some or all of the material below the surface of the highway is replaced to re-establish structural integrity. Resurfacing also takes place.

We may also carry out more localised patching schemes in addition to those schemes listed.

Surface treatment explained

Surface treatment, also known as surface dressing, is one of the most commonly used methods of maintaining and improving roads throughout the country. 

Rather than removing the existing surface, new material is applied to the existing road surface. This means that, not only is it cost effective, but also quicker and less disruptive than full highway resurfacing or reconstruction.

It can be used to:

• improve skid resistance, making the road safer, particularly during times of rainfall.
• seal the road surface, protecting the structure of the road from water ingress and frost. These are the main causes of potholes.
• extend the life of a road surface, in some cases by as much as 10 to 15 years.

The process of surface treatment, used as part of our highways improvement programme, is outlined in the following video.