New ways of working will be trialled as Suffolk Highways launches its annual surface dressing programme to help maintain and improve roads across the county.
During the 2026 season, running from this week to August 8, 759,000 square metres of road – equivalent to 106 full-size football pitches - will be treated, delivering safer, longer-lasting surfaces for residents, businesses and visitors.
Surface dressing is a fast, efficient and sustainable way to maintain roads. It seals the surface, restores skid resistance and protects against water damage, helping extend road life and reduce the need for more costly repairs.
This year will also see new innovations introduced:
- Variable Message Signs (VMS) at busier sites, providing advance warning and live updates
- A new product called Lockchip will be trialled on nine sites across Suffolk, helping to seal down the new surface and reduce loose chippings.
Residents can support the works by moving vehicles from affected areas in advance, helping teams complete the programme quickly and efficiently.
Councillor Christopher Hudson, Suffolk County Council Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said: “Surface dressing is a speedy process which means that disruption to road users, local businesses and emergency services is minimised, but I would urge people to be patient if they are affected by works.
“This approach is significantly faster and cheaper than full resurfacing, helping to extend the life of our roads and ensuring that limited public funds go further across the county.
“By preventing deterioration early, we reduce the need for more expensive repairs later, protecting both the network and the taxpayer.”
Surface dressing is significantly quicker than full resurfacing, reducing disruption for road users.
Before work begins, targeted patch repairs are completed to ensure the surface is fit for treatment.
The road is then fully cleaned before a layer of bitumen is applied, followed by stone chippings which are rolled in to create a durable surface.
The process is completed with further sweeps to remove loose material and ensure safety for road users.
Drivers should take extra care going through sites and keep speeds down to protect both their vehicles and the workforce.
Residents are advised to avoid newly treated surfaces until instructed and to check footwear if walking on it is unavoidable.
Businesses will remain open throughout the works and pedestrian access will be maintained wherever feasible.
Suffolk Highways also reminds residents to stay alert to scams - neither the organisation nor its contractors will offer to carry out private driveway or property works.
Suspicious cold callers can be reported to Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133.
Information boards will be placed at the ends of affected roads, and more details can be found at www.suffolk.gov.uk/surfacedressing.
For further enquiries, contact Suffolk Highways at customer.services@suffolk.gov.uk or call 0345 606 6171 (Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:30pm).
