Road resurfacing

Advance notice boards will be displayed on site showing the date(s) of the proposed works.

• before the start time of the works parked vehicles should be removed from the road
• during these dates and times vehicles will not be able to park on the road

We have to close roads to provide enough room for repairs to be carried out safely.

Depending on the road width and nature of the site, this may involve a road closure with local diversions and/or traffic lights or "stop/go" boards.

During the roadworks, vehicles will not be able to park on the road.

Access to properties and businesses within the roadworks site will be available subject to ongoing operations.

Our staff are on site to answer questions and to help you get in or out of the roadworks site safely using the right route through our works.

However, access to your property may be temporarily unavailable for about 15 to 20 minutes (for example, if we are laying a new surface where you need to drive).

We understand that businesses need to know that customers can still visit. So, where appropriate we will display information saying "Business open as usual".

Other services are notified of planned roadworks, for example your local council for bin collections.

Access would immediately be made available to any emergency vehicle.

Road Markings

Road markings are usually replaced once the new road surface has been laid.  However, this is dependent on weather conditions as lining in wet or damp weather can affect the quality of the work.

Please note that we may not replace the lines "like for like".  A number of trials around the country have demonstrated that the removal of some road markings can have a positive effect on road safety by reducing vehicle speeds.  This approach also supports the need for Suffolk Highways to reduce its ongoing maintenance liabilities.

Replacement of the lining and road studs will be made on a road hierarchy basis, this considers the usage of the road and strategic importance within the county network.  For more information on road hierarchies please visit Categories of roads, footways and cycleways

Road markings will be renewed following surfacing work as follows:

• on road types 2 and 3a, we will replace all existing road markings;

• on road types 3b, 4a and 4b, we will replace all priority road markings.  Other markings will only be renewed where a specific need is identified.
• on road types 3b, 4a and 4b, we will not replace plain centre lines road markings (2 metres line & 4 metres gap up to and including 40 mph roads and 3 metres line & 6 metres gap on the high speed network) unless a specific need is identified

Priority road markings are:

• "Stop" and "Give Way" markings;
• markings associated with traffic regulation orders;
• double white line systems;
• warning centre line markings (4 metres line & 2 metres gap up to and including 40 mph roads and 6 metres line & 3 metres gap on the high speed network);
• markings associated with formal pedestrian crossing places (e.g. signalised/zebra crossings) and mini-roundabouts.
• junction protection markings 

Road Studs

Following surfacing work, road studs will be replaced once the road markings have been laid as follows:

• on all road types, reflective road studs will not be replaced on 30 mph roads unless the road studs are associated with a priority road marking system or a specific need is identified;
• on road types 2 and 3a, we will replace all remaining road studs;
• on road types 3b, 4a and 4b, we will replace road studs associated with priority road marking systems and where previously installed in conjunction with warning centre line markings.

The road is safe to drive on following resurfacing but reduced speed restriction signs will be displayed.

For your safety and the safety of others, please:

• keep to the speed limit
• keep your distance from the vehicle in front
• avoid turning or braking sharply and do not overtake

This will prevent the new materials being damaged before they have completely set and also help prevent your car from being damaged.

Resurfacing with hot bitumen will last for approximately 10 to 20 years dependent on the volumes of traffic using the road.

Surfacing with micro-asphalt can be expected to last between 5 and 10 years.

We identify which roads to repair based on:

• regular inspections
• annual surveys using specialist equipment
• reports from councillors, parish councils and community groups
• reports from residents – you can report a defect online

We use varying grades of aggregate (for example: sand, gravel, crushed stone) mixed with hot bitumen to replace the existing road surface to provide a smooth, waterproof surface with skid resistant properties.

Read about roadworks in Suffolk, surface dressing and pavement resurfacing to learn about other ways roads are maintained.