East Sussex County Council is investing £1.5 million to pothole-proof 30 roads across the county.

Work to improve and seal road surfaces following the winter weather and the repair of potholes will begin at the end of the month on routes that are showing signs of wear.

As well as improving safety by giving vehicles more grip, the work – which involves laying stone chippings on hot tar to seal the road surface – protects the surface from pothole-causing frost and water damage.

“Carrying out this work will not only improve the safety of these roads, but will also extend the life of the surface by up to 10 years,” said Cllr Carl Maynard, Lead Member for Transport and Environment.

“With East Sussex County Council having spent around £40 million on road maintenance over the past three years, it is important we demonstrate value for money for our Council Tax payers and ensure any work we carry out lasts for as long as possible.”

The surface dressing work will cause little disruption to motorists as vehicles, limited to 20mph, can use the road almost immediately after work is carried out.

County council contractors will apply a layer of bitumen to the road before putting down stone chippings. The stone chippings are then rolled, but the process of bedding the chippings into the bitumen continues for several days under the weight of vehicles.

The chippings will be swept from the roads 24 hours after work is carried out and again after three and seven days, after which the road will be sealed.

Advanced warning signs will be put in place two weeks before work begins and residents will be notified.

Further information

Notes to editors
Roads included in the programme include;
Oak Lane, Blackham
Horsted Lane, Danehill
East Grinstead Road, North Chailey
South Road, Wivelsfield
Janes Lane, Wivelsfield
Honeypot Lane, Chailey
Spatham Lane, Westmeston
Horney Comment Road, Maresfield
Lampool Road, Maresfield
Stonehurst Lane, Hadlow Down
Spout Hill, Rotherfield
Town Row Green, Rotherfield
Bird in Eye Hill, Framfield
Framfield Road, Blackboys
Palehouse Common, Framfield
Shortgate Lane, Laughton
London Road, East Hoathly
Church Lane, Laughton
Park Lane, Laughton
Laughton Road, Ringmer
Lewes Road, Ringmer
Mark Cross Lane, Ripe
Firle Road/Mill Lane and The Street, Ripe
Ripe Lane, Firle
Newhaven Road, Seaford
The Street, Wilmington
Chyngton Road, Seaford
The Ridge, Hastings
Fairlight Road, Hastings
Udimore Road, Udimore