Preventative maintenance is extending the life of the existing road surface by preventing pot holes and follows Department for Transport guidance that prevention is better than cure.

Surface treatments are laid directly on top of the existing road without removing the original material.

Micro surfacing

Also referred to as slurry surfacing, micro surfacing is a cost effective treatment that protects the existing road surface with the application of a thin layer of asphalt. After the road is patch repaired, micro surfacing is applied as a quick drying wet slurry and serves to prevent pot holes and helps regulate or smooth out some of the bumpier roads.

This process is commonly used where a surface dressing or carriageway sealing solution is not appropriate. The work is carried out using temporary road closures of 1 to 4 days with parking suspensions in place from 8am to 6pm daily.

This process is weather dependant and the following suggested starts dates are indicative only. Residents will receive a letter with more information shortly.

Details for the 2026 to 2027 programme are scheduled as follows:

• C301 Kinson Road – Columbia Rd to Wimborne Rd (Kinson) - starting 28 March
• Talbot Drive (Alderney and Bourne Valley) - starting 21 March
• Monkton Crescent (Alderney and Bourne Valley) - starting 13 March
• Bridport Road (Alderney and Bourne Valley) - starting 17 March
• Encombe Close (Alderney and Bourne Valley) - starting 17 March
• Bradstock Close (Alderney and Bourne Valley) - starting 16 March
• C340 Walkford Road (Highcliffe and Walkford) - starting 24 March
• C341 Chewton Farm Road (Highcliffe and Walkford) - starting 23 March
• C303 Sandecoates Road (Canford Cliffs) - starting 21 March
• Links Road (Canford Cliffs) - starting 21 March
• Tregonwell Road (West Cliff) - starting 26 March
• C309 Owl Road & Boscombe Spa Road (Boscombe) - starting 26 March
• Northbourne Avenue (Northbourne and Redhill) - starting 1 April
• Northbourne Gardens (Northbourne and Redhill) - starting 27 March
• Northbourne Place (Northbourne and Redhill) - starting 31 March

Surface dressing

Surface dressing is a cost effective means of preventing water penetration, improving skid resistance and arresting the disintegration of the carriageway, typically using a bituminous layer with one or more layers of small stone chippings laid over the top.

This work is generally focused on our unclassified road network but can be used on main roads. The final programme for this can be affected by utility and developer activity.

Details of this year's programme are scheduled as follows (dates to be confirmed):

• A3049 Dorset Way – eastbound (Sections 805, 810 and 815)
• A3049 Dorset Way – westbound (Sections 833, 840 and 842)
• A3049 Dorset Way – northbound (Section 853)
• A3049 Dorset Way – southbound (Section 855)

Asphalt preservation

A quick, cost effective method of preventative maintenance by extending the lifespan of the existing road surface by enriching the asphalt and preventing water ingress.

The material sets rapidly in all but the very warmest weather conditions and the process is normally completed within hours.

This year’s programme has been scheduled to deliver across the following sites:

• C322/850 Herbert Avenue (Parkstone)
• B3369 Sandbanks Road, from Park Rd to Pottery Rd junctions (Lilliput)
• A341 Magna Road (Bearwood)
• A341 Queen Anne Drive (Wimborne)
• Chandos Avenue (Wallisdown)
• Heathfield Avenue (Wallisdown)
• Langside Avenue (Wallisdown)
• Julyan Avenue (Wallisdown)

Drainage improvements

Schemes to help alleviate surface water flooding on the highway, various sites involving investigation and mitigation measures if appropriate. Funding for these schemes is under extreme pressure and can result in a very long waiting period before implementation.

All cases are assessed individually with priority given to those considered to be at greatest risk. We are only responsible for the maintenance of it's highways drainage assets and not responsible for protecting private property.