Worcestershire County Council is marking the official end of a successful winter gritting season and turning its focus to the start of the annual surface dressing programme to maintain and improve the county’s roads.
In total, the Council’s Highways team deployed more than 5,000 tonnes of salt to keep Worcestershire’s road network safe and moving between October 2024 and April 2025. Operations were supported by six strategically located depots and seven remotely monitored weather stations.
Although the winter wasn’t especially severe, the dedicated efforts of both County Council staff and contractor Ringway ensured roads remained in safe condition for all users.
A spokesperson for the Highways team said: “While it hasn’t been the harshest of winters, our crews have worked tirelessly, sometimes around the clock, to make sure Worcestershire’s roads remained safe. We are grateful to all involved, especially those who take on winter duties in addition to their regular responsibilities. The positive feedback we receive from road users across the county reflects how much their work is appreciated.”
With the winter service now stood down, attention turns to the annual surface dressing programme which resumes after a seasonal pause.
Surface dressing is a preventative maintenance treatment that involves spraying roads with bitumen, followed by stone chippings that are rolled in to seal the surface. It’s a quick and cost-effective method that can extend the life of a road by up to 10 years, while improving skid resistance and helping prevent potholes.
“Our teams are fully prepared and ready to deliver this year’s surface dressing programme. It’s a proven and efficient way to restore road surfaces and minimise long-term damage. Starting the work after the winter season allows us to carry it out under optimal conditions and with minimal disruption to residents and road users.”
Signs will be displayed on roads in advance of any surface dressing activity. As always, the programme may be subject to change depending on weather conditions.
Worcestershire County Council remains committed to maintaining a high standard for the county’s highways, protecting road users, and preserving the environment for future generations.
For more information about the surface dressing programme, including where and when works will take place, please visit the surface dressing pages on our website.
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