HIGHWAYS crews in East Sussex have been pulling out all the stops to keep the county’s roads in tip-top condition during the coronavirus lockdown.

Taking advantage of lower than normal traffic levels, East Sussex Highways workers have worked flat out to fill more than 6,000 potholes since lockdown was declared on March 23 2020.

Six large-scale schemes to pre-patch roads in preparation for surface dressing have been completed in Barcombe, Eastbourne, East Hoathly, Heathfield, Plumpton and Westfield.

Five major pavement resurfacing programmes have been completed or are nearing completion in Bexhill, Eastbourne and Hastings.

Meanwhile, crews have repaired 185 pavements, repaired or replaced 113 signs and 73 items of street furniture, cleared 581 drains and repaired 1,073 street lighting faults.

Highways contractors are also working to complete one of the biggest schemes of the year to reconstruct the highway in Croft Road, Crowborough, part of a programme of improvements in the town.

Workers have been helped to maintain social distancing and additional personal protective equipment is in place, while for the Croft Road scheme a dedicated social distancing marshal is in place.

Cllr Claire Dowling, East Sussex County Council lead member for transport and environment, said: “Our highways crews have been out and about across the county doing a fantastic job during the lockdown.

“The fact there’s been less traffic on the roads than normal has given us the opportunity to complete some work we may not otherwise have been able to, while our normal roads maintenance service has been able to carry on running as normal.

“By putting in place sensible precautions, we’ve been able to ensure our crews can stay safe while working hard to keep the roads of East Sussex safe and in the best possible condition.”

Details of forthcoming roadworks can be seen on the East Sussex Highways website at www.eastsussexhigways.com