High-tech pot hole problem-solving (From Bournemouth Echo)

High-tech pot hole problem-solving

7:00pm Monday 12th April 2010 in

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ROADS across Bournemouth are set to receive a much-needed £2.5 million facelift after the most severe winter in decades created an increasing number of potholes and other defects.

Yesterday a year-long Road Rescue campaign was launched by the borough council in a bid to stem the rising tide of complaints from frustrated motorists.

Several areas will be targeted with Bath Road, Fir Vale Road and Horseshoe Common roundabout repaired using the latest technology.

Nu-phalt infra-red surfacing is much quicker than traditional techniques and, because it heats up and recycles existing surface material, has many cost and environment benefits.

Work will be carried out across the resort with extensive re-markings to the Ensbury Park gyratory system and the Castle Lane area planned.

Launching the Road Rescue campaign, Cllr Robert Lawton, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: “Improving Bournemouth’s road network is a top priority and this investment will see repairs made to potholes, resurfacing works as well as refreshed road markings.

“We have been working hard to prioritise those areas in urgent disrepair and, over the next year, motorists will see teams working across Bournemouth to bring roads up to a standard that our residents expect.”

Deputy council leader Cllr John Beesley said: “Our budget consultation has shown highway maintenance is where residents want to see more investment and it has been a long time since Bournemouth’s road network has received such significant investment.”

Next month Road Rescue teams will work on velocity patching, a special technique to repair potholes in rural areas. Assessment and works are planned in Throop Road and Muscliffe Lane.

Officers are also preparing a list of structural maintenance schemes at locations including Tuckton Bridge, Charminster Road, Alumhurst Road and Braidley Road.