If you’re responsible for a road upgrade, you already know the importance of getting the job done right. Whether you’re managing a private estate road, a business access route, or a public highway, the surfacing quality impacts safety, durability, and long-term costs.
Planning the upgrade properly saves time, reduces hassle, and prevents expensive repairs later on. Here’s a helpful guide to surfacing tips that will make your road upgrade smoother and more effective from start to finish.
Understand the Purpose of the Road
Every road has its own usage demands. Before anything else, think about how the surface will be used day to day. Will it carry heavy commercial vehicles? Is it mainly for light residential traffic? Will it need to cope with turning trucks or buses?
The type of traffic will directly affect the materials and methods you use. Heavier loads need deeper foundations and thicker tarmac layers. Light use, on the other hand, may only require standard surfacing. Matching the road’s design to its purpose is the foundation of a successful upgrade.
Carry Out a Detailed Site Survey
Before planning materials or costs, get a professional site survey. A full assessment will reveal ground conditions, drainage issues, slope, and any existing structural damage. This step ensures your upgrade addresses hidden problems like weak sub-bases or water pooling that can lead to surface failure.
Ignoring early warning signs can lead to resurfacing jobs that don’t last. A proper survey allows you to plan a surface that performs well in all weather and lasts for years without major repair.
Pick the Right Surfacing Material
Tarmac is a popular choice for many UK roads thanks to its cost-efficiency, quick installation, and weather resistance. It’s ideal for driveways, private roads, and even public access routes.
However, not all tarmac is the same. Materials like SMA (stone mastic asphalt) or HRA (hot rolled asphalt) may offer better performance in certain environments. Speak with a surfacing specialist to choose the right material based on your location, traffic levels, and budget.
For commercial or public upgrades, road resurfacing in Bournemouth can provide a wide range of solutions tailored to different road types and user needs.
Plan for Proper Drainage
Even the best surface will break down early if water is allowed to pool. Planning for correct drainage is one of the most important parts of your upgrade. This includes both surface water runoff and subsurface water flow.
Use appropriate gradients, channels, and soakaways to direct water safely away. In urban areas, consider installing kerbs and gullies. For rural roads, ditch systems might be more suitable. Drainage isn’t just an add-on; it’s critical to making your road last longer and reducing maintenance.
Choose Experienced Contractors
No matter how good the design or materials, poor workmanship can ruin a resurfacing project. Make sure you hire contractors who have experience with the specific type of road you’re upgrading. Check for reviews, request examples of past work, and ensure they’re using the right equipment.
Trusted surfacing contractors will also help you with legal compliance, road closures, traffic management, and health and safety documentation.
Factor in Access and Disruption
If the road is in daily use, plan how you’ll maintain access during the upgrade. Will you need to close it in phases? Can part of the road remain open? Clear communication with users is key.
Plan signage, detours, and working hours carefully. A well-organised project limits disruption to traffic, businesses, and residents. The fewer complaints you get, the smoother the upgrade will go for everyone involved.
Don’t Forget Legal and Local Authority Requirements
Depending on the road’s location and usage, you may need approval from the local council or other bodies. This includes temporary traffic orders, road closures, or environmental permissions.
Failing to get the right paperwork can cause delays, fines, or even halt your upgrade. Check all requirements early and keep your project legally compliant from start to finish.
Build in a Maintenance Plan
A good road upgrade doesn’t stop once the last roller leaves the site. Build a plan for ongoing maintenance so your surface stays in top condition.
This can include regular inspections, re-lining, crack sealing, and drainage checks. Scheduling proactive maintenance extends the life of the road and protects your investment. Plus, small fixes made early are much cheaper than full resurfacing later.
Budget for Quality, Not Just Speed
It’s tempting to go for the fastest, cheapest option when planning a road upgrade. But saving a few pounds today can cost thousands down the road if you need to redo the job early.
Focus on long-term value. Quality materials, solid foundations, and expert surfacing will save money over the lifespan of the road. Always weigh up short-term cost against long-term durability and performance.
Conclusion
Road upgrades are a major task, but with the right planning, they don’t need to be stressful. Understanding your road’s purpose, investing in the correct materials, choosing the right team, and planning for drainage and maintenance are the keys to long-term success.