Nearby villages are set for significant road surface dressing this summer as part of Somerset Council's programme aimed at enhancing road safety and durability.

This initiative involves the application of bitumen and stone chippings to existing surfaces, ensuring long-lasting improvements.

Villages including Dinder, Coxley, Wookey, and Westbury-sub-Mendip, will benefit from these upgrades. Key roads to be addressed include Crapnell Lane to Sleight Lane in Dinder and sections of the A371 in Evercreech. These enhancements aim to provide smoother and safer journeys for both local residents and visitors.

Councillor Richard Wilkins, portfolio holder for transport and digital, emphasised the importance of these works: "Surface dressing and surface treatments are critically important in keeping our highways running efficiently. Kiely Bros have a fantastic record for innovation, efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and we are delighted to have them on board."

Surface dressing is a well-regarded maintenance technique that seals the road, improves skid resistance, and prevents water from penetrating the surface, thus reducing pothole formation. The process involves coating the road with bitumen, covering it with stone chippings, and then rolling it to ensure durability and safety​.

Kiely Bros., the Birmingham-based company awarded a four-year contract, will utilise their advanced 'multipatcher' technology to carry out these works with minimal disruption to local traffic. The programme's flexibility allows for adjustments based on weather conditions, ensuring that daily commutes and travel plans are minimally affected​.

For comprehensive information on the planned roadworks, visit Somerset County Council.