Plymouth working hard to tackle winter road damage

Recent severe weather conditions are keeping Plymouth's highways teams busy, carrying out a wide variety of road repairs alongside their regular winter services.

Amey crews have used 744 tonnes of grit on the city’s roads so far this winter but in addition to their early morning inspections and gritting runs they have also been out inspecting and repairing additional road faults caused by the recent storms.

To help ensure winter damage to the network is minimised, and building on last year’s five-month resurfacing programme, the Council has agreed an extra £50,000 worth of funding for an immediate six to eight week emergency programme of repairs.

This is in addition to the major road resurfacing programme that will be carried out later in the year as part of the Council's promise to invest an additional £20 million in road repairs over 10 years.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport said: “In recent weeks we’ve seen an onslaught of severe weather, with some experts saying it’s been the wettest winter in almost 250 years. Along with providing emergency support, Amey’s highways teams are out there on the ground, tackling damage resulting from these extreme conditions.

“We’re working hard to make sure winter damage to the network is minimised, while also ensuring the roads are safe during cold, icy conditions. We’ll be announcing our roads programme for the spring as soon as it’s finalised, so the resurfacing vehicles can get back out there when the weather changes for the better.”

Last year’s programme saw 28km of tarmac laid to resurface and repair roads around Plymouth and permanently repair more than 8,000 potholes.

Amey’s Watchman in Chief, Victoria Hutchins said: “Whilst we have worked hard to prepare for winter, the recent storms have demanded more resources and repair works. With the additional funding support from the Council we are able to continue tackling the issues across the network to keep Plymouth moving. Our inspectors are out every day, as are our repair teams, working to resolve as many problems as possible.”

To report a pothole or other road fault call the highways watchman team on 01752 668000 or email plymouth.watchman@amey.co.uk.