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
2026 to 2027 surface dressing programme
In 2026 we are investing £3.4 million in our surface dressing programme funded by the Department for Transport.
This will reduce potholes across 67 miles of road, in 60 locations between June and the end of 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:
- C3088 St John's Road, Stainton
- C3043 Scarside to Knipe Junction
- C3053 South West of Towcett Crossroads to A6
- B6261 M6 Junction 39 Shap Toll Bar
- U3262 Andrew Scar, Great Asby
- B6259, A685 Junction to Beckfoot Junction
- C3059 Bolton to Colby
- C3004 Hanginshaw to Clickahm, Appleby
- C3087 Tan Hill, Gate House to Long Band
- B5305 Skelton, BBC Junction to Holly Hill
- C2045, B5305 Junction to Millhouse Bridge
- B5305 Newlands Mill Junction to area boundary
- C2049, B5305 Junction to Newlands Mill
- C2049 Newlands Mill to Hesket Bridge area boundary
- A686 Melmerby Moor
- B6277 Shieldhill Plantation to The Old Police Station, Alston
- A6 Penrith North, 30mph signs to Stoneybeck Roundabout
- B5350 Catterlen Roundabout to Hutton-in-the-Forest
- C3047 Cliburn North West, 30mph signs To Cliburn Mill Bridge
Furness area
Roads in the Furness area under the programme include:
- C6003 Long Lane, Dalton in Furness
- C6012 Duke Street (Schneider Square Roundabout to The Strand)
- U6011 Duke Street, Askam-in-Furness
- U6030 Chapel Street, Dalton-in-Furness
- U6085 Lumley Street (Rawlinson Street to side of 37 Marsh Street)
- U6103 Hawthwaite Lane, Barrow-in-Furness
- U6115 Oak Lea Road, Barrow-in-Furness
- U6116 Parkhouse Road (Manor Road to Newton Road)
- U6128 Bank Lane, Barrow-in-Furness
- U6215 Farm Street, Barrow in Furness
- U6216 Ramsden Dock Road, Barrow-in-Furness
South Lakeland area
Roads in the South Lakeland area under the programme include:
- B5277 Meathop Road to C5046, The Gill
- B5277 Allithwaite Road
- C5041 Cark to Cartmel
- C5042/U5693 Haggs Lane to Cartmel Road
- C5041 Longlands Farm to Field Broughton
- C5046 Back o the Fell Road
- B5271/C5046 The Gill to Lindale Brow
- C5076 Heaves Lodge to Whitegate
- C5059 Levens Lane
- B5286 Outgate to Clappersgate
- A591 Dunmail Raise
- A592 Longtail Hill to B5360
- B5360 Jct A592 to Jct A5074
- B5285 Lake Bank Coach House to Windermere Ferry
- A6070 Crooklands roundabout to Dukes Bridge
- B5282 The Strands to Arnside
- A684 Green Bank Barn to Beehive Lane
- A684 Windy Hill Farm to Park Road
- C5105 Busk Lane, Sedburgh
- A592 Newby Bridge Roundabout to Fell Foot
- A5284 Windermere Road
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.