Multi-million pound road repair investment welcomed

Uttlesford District Council has welcomed the decision by its Essex counterparts to provide an additional �11 million to repair the damage caused to the county’s roads following severe weather in recent months.

District councillor Alastair Walters, cabinet member for Community Safety, whose portfolio includes the Highways Panel and Highway Rangers, was pleased the county council was investing such a substantial amount of money in Uttlesford’s road network.

“I was aware that a countywide ‘Pothole Busting’ scheme was being planned and I am delighted, as will everyone in the district, especially motorists, motorcyclists and cyclists, that this significant road maintenance project is now well under way.

“It is another excellent initiative from Essex Highways involving substantial funding which will be money very well spent and very much welcomed.”

The first phase of the programme has already started and is targeting outstanding defects awaiting repair.

A second phase will start in November and will focus on strengthening the road network with the aim of ensuring that fewer potholes occur in the longer term.

In addition to this proposed investment, Essex County Council has also started work on its annual surface dressing programme – a 10-week programme which will see 1.6 million square metres of road targeted across the county.

County councillor Derrick Louis, cabinet member for Highways & Transportation, said: “The recent weather extremes have taken a severe toll on our roads and we are determined to get them back to the standard our residents deserve.

“I understand how frustrating potholes can be, which is why we are determined to fix as many as possible and make sure that they don’t return in the future.

“This extra investment of �11 million confirms our commitment to maintaining and improving the condition of our roads, which we recognise is an absolute priority for businesses and residents across the county.”