A score of potholed RBWM roads set to get special repairs

More roads in RBWM are set to get specialised sustainable treatment as part of a new ‘regular package of tools to tackle road repairs in the borough.’

In August it was announced that a special method of repairing wear and tear in roads, including potholes, would be rolled out in an extended trial on multiple roads in Windsor and Maidenhead.

A specialist thermal infrared heater, designed to be used on highways, is used to quickly heat up the existing asphalt surface in need of repair.

It is then easily reworked using hand tools before fresh material is added to the heated asphalt.

The area is then levelled with the surrounding road surface and compacted.

Benefits of the infrared system include increased durability of repairs by eliminating weaknesses created by additional joints in the surface.

The value of the work programme is £350,000, which is fully funded by government grants.

The areas that will benefit this time include:

•              Holyport Road from Moneyrow Green to Windsor Road

•              Harvest Hill Road, Cannon Lane, Henley Road, Linden Avenue, Farm Road, Altwood Road, Queensway and Westborough Road in Maidenhead

•              Mill Lane, Perrycroft, William Street, Rycroft and Alma Road in Windsor

•              Kennel Ride, Cheapside Road and Bagshot Road in Ascot; and Chanctonbury Drive in Sunningdale

•              Smewins Road in White Waltham and Bailey’s Lane in Shurlock Row

•              Dean Lane in Cookham and Spring Lane in Cookham Dean

•              Burfield Road in Old Windsor; and Broadwater Close in Wraysbury.

The locations have been selected due to the condition of the roads.

Most of the work will be completed under partial or full lane closures, with traffic management in place.

Councillor Geoff Hill, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Following trials, this technology is now part of our regular package of tools to tackle road repairs in the borough.

“This process is more energy-efficient, is less labour-intensive resulting in greater productivity, and eliminates the need for excavation making it safer and easier for access requirements.

“It is more environmentally friendly, with zero material going to landfill and delivers carbon savings compared to traditional construction.

“There are also benefits for residents with less noise and vibration, no dust and fewer people working on site.”