Work has started on a road improvement programme in Aberdeenshire.

The summer surface dressing scheme will see the area's roads protected and maintained to increase their lifespan and to improve the quality of damaged carriageway.

Workers will lay hot bitumen followed by chippings works to seal the road surface and provide better grip for vehicles. In addition, patching works will take place on badly cracked section of roads.

However, the council warned although the newly-dressed road is mechanically swept a number of times after being treated, it takes several days for chips to embed fully into the bitumen.


Head of Roads, Landscape Services and Waste Management, Philip McKay, said: "Warning signs advising of surface dressing works are always erected prior to work starting, and remain in place for several days after the work has been carried out.

"While it sometimes may appear that a road is clear and suitable for normal use, there may still be loose chippings to watch out for, so I would urge road users to always adhere to the site signs and drive at the appropriate speed.

"Driving at excessive speed over loose chippings can cause spinning and skidding, as well as chipping to windscreens and paintwork. I would urge road users to drive at the advised speed limit to avoid any accidents.

"We appreciate that working on the road network can cause inconvenience to users, but I would ask that you bear with us as we carry out these essential repairs, which deliver long term benefits to road condition."

(LM/MH)