DORSET Highways annual summer road repair programme gets underway next week.

Two programmes of work are being carried out in the council area – premium surface dressing and micro-asphalt surfacing.

Council engineers say the work will seal roads against water damage and restore skid resistance on surfaces that are in an otherwise good condition.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council members for highways, said: "Please be patient while we carry out these works and be mindful of local roads becoming busier as residents seek out alternative routes.

“When the road reopens, please drive with care and adhere to the temporary 20mph speed limit – this is for your safety and driving at this speed helps the ‘bedding-in’ process on our surface dressing sites.

“We know many drivers and motorcyclists do not like this surface treatment, however, it is successfully used across the country.

“We will continue to use surface treatments based on a road’s individual condition – and the two treatments we’re using this summer both serve their purpose in the maintenance lifecycle of our roads.”

Some roads have had patching completed on them over the last 12 months to repair any major defects in preparation for these treatments.

Roads being resurfaced include Manston Road in Sturminster Newton and the A354 at Sixpenny Handley.

Due to current social distancing measures, the sites being treated are away from busier, urban areas to help the workforce adhere to public health guidelines and protect residents, says the council.

Road closures will be typically in place from 9.30am to 3.30pm, from Monday, but drivers should keep an eye out for advance notice boards locally as timings do vary slightly between sites.

Diversion routes will be signposted and, inline with national guidance, these will divert traffic onto the same classification of road as the one closed. Local drivers may decide to use their own alternative route.

Micro-asphalt sites, where a layer of new material is laid over the top of the existing surface, include the B3067 Dorchester Road at Lytchett Minster, the C2 Horton Road, and Cann Common to White Pitt Lane near Shaftesbury

Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roadworks for further details.