Road surface dressing
Surface dressing is proactive treatment that significantly extends a road’s lifespan. It helps to prevent road deterioration and potholes from developing for up to 10 years.
The surface dressing process seals the road surface. This prevents water seeping in, which is the main cause of deterioration and potholes. It also ensures the road has adequate grip and skid resistance.
It costs significantly less than full resurfacing, leaving more funding available for where it is most needed.
Watch a video on the surface dressing process on our YouTube channel.
2025 to 2026 surface dressing programme
In 2025 we are investing £3.3 million in our surface dressing programme funded by the Department for Transport.
This will reduce potholes across 66 miles of road, in 53 locations between April and August.
Working together with us, specialist contractor Kiely Bros Ltd. will manage and deliver the programme.
Works have to be done in dry weather, so the surface dressing programme is flexible. Onsite signage shows dates for the works. Our contractor will send a letter to properties nearby to keep residents informed.
Eden area
Roads in the Eden area under the programme include:
- 175m south west of Renwick Junction to Scarrowmanwick
- 646m south east of Priorsdale Junction to Shieldhill plantation, near Alston
- Bedlands Gate Crossroads to A6 Shap Beck
- Blackhause, Stainmore
- Cliburn Mill Bridge to A66 via Bolton
- Colby Lane, Appleby
- Crossrigg to Kings Meaburn
- Ellonby to Little Blencow
- Hazel Gill junction to area boundary at Newbiggin
- Meaburn Hall junction to Sleagill Crossroads
- Newlands Mill junction to Sowerby Row Junction
- Oak Road, Penrith (Carleton Road to Chestnut Close)
- Oak Road, Penrith (Parklands Cresent to Brentfield Way)
- Scarrowmanwick to Hazel Gill junction
- Skelton to Ellonby
- Temple Sowerby to Crossrigg
Furness area
Roads in the Furness area under the programme include:
- Broughton Road
- Central Drive, Barrow
- Dalton Lane between junction of Yewdale Avenue and Bay Horse Pub, Barrow
- Lindal to Marton (A590 to Tarn Flatt)
- Park Drive, Barrow
- Ulverston Rd, Dalton
South Lakeland area
Roads in the South Lakeland area under the programme include:
- Tottlebank to A590
- Gatebeck to Crooklands
- Crooklands to Milnthorpe
- Little Urswick to area boundary via Gleaston
- Kirkstone Road, Ambleside
- Pease Close Lane to Cartmel
- Rowlandson Ground, Hawkshead
- Grassgarth Lane, Ings
- Natland to Force Cottages
- Gilpin Lake House to Crosthwaite
- Kiln Road, New Hutton
- Alpine Road
- Outgate to Drunken Duck
- Knott End to Yeat House
- Mere Syke, Elterwater Locker Lane, Allithwaite
How we select roads for treatment
We use proactive inspections using artificial intelligence to prioritise roads with early deterioration.
Treating these routes using surface dressing prevents minor issues from becoming major problems. This reduces the need for more costly repairs in the future.
Minimal delays expected throughout works
While works are being carried out, the road is closed. Please make sure that vehicles are removed from the road by 7am on the day of work.
Vehicles, including cycles are not allowed in the closed road, unless advised by traffic management.
Works are usually completed within a few hours, and the road reopens once the crew have left. Traffic can use the new road surface immediately at a reduced speed. This helps compact the chippings into the road.
For information on specific site closures, please contact Kiely Bros directly.
Kiely Bros Customer Care Team
Telephone: 01217 723 800 - option 1
The surface dressing process
Hot bitumen is sprayed onto the road followed by a layer of stone chippings on top. The chippings are rolled and pressed to form a hard-wearing surface.
The road is swept 24 to 48 hours after completion, and again after seven days. Future programs reuse any excess chippings.
Road markings and studs are replaced after the final sweep.