MORE than 100km of new road surface will be laid by Gloucestershire County Council over the next few months - including on Everlands in Cam.

The council is starting its £2.2million summer programme of surface dressings, which will cover the size of 69 Kingsholm sized rugby pitches.

Reductions to speeds on a number of roads will be in place to allow the new surfaces to bed in.

Surface dressing is a commonly used, cost effective surface treatment that helps roads last longer and enhances skid resistance, which also makes it safer to drive on.

The treatment works by sealing the surface of the road against water and air, which causes damage to the road over time.

The chippings which are added to the bitumen binder provides increased grip, improving the skid resistance of the road surface. Initially, there’s likely to be loose chippings on the roads that are treated, however this will settle after a few weeks.

Motorists are asked to slow down on these roads until the new surface has bedded in and there will be 20mph signs put along some of the routes for drivers to follow.

There are 32 schemes which will be taking place across the county throughout the summer.

The first phase of 17 schemes will start this month and continue throughout July.

The second phase, which includes the remaining 15 schemes, will be scheduled for later this summer.

In the majority of cases, the road will be closed while the works take place, which will usually be for one or two days.

The list of sites and weekly programmes will be posted on the council’s website – www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/surfacedressing.