Could Brighton's Road Users Face Fewer Potholes Soon?

While the state of Sussex's roads has been the object of much derision in recent years, could improvements be on the way for Brighton and Hove?

According to a city council announcement made this morning (Tuesday), "innovative" new low carbon techniques will be used to treat several concrete roads in the city — with the authority claiming this will "significantly reduce their chance of developing potholes in the future"

Brighton & Hove City Council pledged to begin work in August on a project to improve the long-term durability of roads in parts of Bevendean, having already used the same techniques on County Oak Avenue in 2021.

The improvements are being paid for by the council’s Carbon Neutral Fund.

The authority's justification is that the funds for this technique will improve the condition of the city’s roads, thereby reducing the need for future repairs because materials could be kept in use for as long as possible.

The roads being worked on initially will be:

• Auckland Drive (Hornby Road to Heath Hill Avenue)
• Hornby Road, (Auckland Drive to Ludlow Rise)
• Taunton Road, (Taunton Way to Heath Hill Avenue)
• Norwich Drive, (Heath Hill Avenue to Bodium Avenue)

The first three areas are expected to take 7-10 days each to complete while Norwich Drive will need 4-5 weeks. This is because of the size of the road and area being worked on.

The council said that staff are writing to all those addresses directly affected by the work.

How it works

Working with contractor RJ Dance, the project involves removing the existing asphalt surface (the black top surface) and repairing the concrete joints underneath using a specialised material called Techcrete, a flexible jointing material.

The process reportedly creates a textured surface on the exposed concrete, putting skid resistance into the concrete and ensuring noise levels and ride quality are not negatively impacted. 

How does the operation affect the public?

• Local bus stops will be suspended on roads whilst works are taking place—however bus services will still be running via a diversion route.
• Vehicle access from any adjoining driveways, while the contractor is working outside of them, will not be possible. There will be access both before and after work at the start and end of each day.
• Any vehicles left parked on the road within the area of work will be removed from the site and relocated to an adjacent road away from the scheme. 
• Pedestrian access to/from properties will be maintained at all times.

The council said it understands that road maintenance projects can be disruptive, and claimed today it will do its best to minimise inconvenience. 

Councillor Trevor Muten, Chair of the Transport and Sustainability committee, said:

"We all know how frustrating potholes on our roads can be.

"This project will mean we’ll be reducing the chances of them appearing almost completely and significantly lowering the need to come back and repair and maintain the road time and time again.

"I’m looking forward to seeing the finished result that will really benefit motorists, cyclists and all road users."

Jacob Taylor, ward councillor for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean added:

"I’d like to say on behalf of myself and fellow ward councillors Amanda Evans and Ty Goddard, that we’re delighted work will be starting this summer in the lower Bevendean area.

"We know that potholes are an issue nationwide and can be hugely frustrating so I’m sure residents will be happy to hear this is going to significantly reduce the chances of them reappearing."