Motorists urged to drive carefully as road maintenance works get underway

ESSENTIAL maintenance works are underway on roads across Carmarthenshire.

The equivalent length of about 54 miles of a standard single carriageway will be treated – the distance from Carmarthen to Bridgend!

The resurfacing works are carried out annually by the county council to help prevent potholes and make the roads safer and better to use.

It involves applying a coating of hot bitumen onto the road surface followed by layers of hard stone chippings. A mechanical sweeper then removes the excess chippings after a day or so.

Some 8,000 tonnes of aggregate and 233,000 gallons of bitumen emulsion will be used covering an area of 663,000 square metres.

Executive Board Member for Street Scene Cllr Colin Evans said although it caused some inconvenience for drivers, it was an essential maintenance operation.

“This work prevents water seeping into the road foundation and weakening it, thus reducing the chances of potholes developing, and prolongs the life expectancy of the road,” he said.

“It is the most cost effective method and allows traffic to drive over the newly laid surface almost immediately.

“Following treatment, the skid resistance value of the road surface is restored when the surface was previously smooth or slippery.”

Motorists are being asked to take extra care while the work is being carried out to avoid accidents or damage.

People should drive carefully within the recommended speed limit, never overtake and avoid sudden braking and sharp turning movements.

Pedestrians are advised to take care walking near any newly treated surface as the bitumen can stick on shoes. The substance can be removed with solvents such as white spirits or turpentine.

Cllr Evans added: “Like most highway maintenance works, it does cause disruption to the free flow of traffic, and drivers need to travel slowly on the newly laid surface to prevent chippings being dislodged.

“This is the reason why advisory speed limits are displayed. Inconsiderate drivers who travel at speeds above the recommended limit can cause damage to other vehicles, pedestrians and property because of the risk of chippings being thrown up.”

Small delays may be possible and the council apologises for any inconvenience caused whilst the works are carried out.