In the Derby suburb of Allestree, residents are experiencing significant disruption and dust disturbances linked to ongoing roadworks aimed at preserving local roads, according to the Derby Telegraph. The council is carrying out a surface dressing programme on several streets, including prominent routes such as the A6 Duffield Road, Ford Lane, Spenbeck Drive, and Lambourne Drive.
Surface dressing, a preventative measure involving the application of a thin layer of stone chippings over sprayed bitumen, aims to extend a road's lifespan by sealing existing surfaces and reducing potholes. It contrasts with full resurfacing, which is more comprehensive and costly. The current works commenced earlier this year with preparatory spraying and chipping done by mid-April, with further treatment scheduled for late April.
Residents have reported concerns about the impact of the works, particularly citing the dust and sand raised by vehicles travelling through the treated areas. Efforts to control risks include the imposition of temporary 20mph speed limits on affected roads to minimise skidding and stone displacement. However, some lorry drivers have been observed exceeding this limit, which exacerbates dust clouds described by one local joiner, Eric Motson, as “almost like a sandstorm,” reminiscent of scenes from a “Mad Max film.”
Paul Foster, an 82-year-old resident of Duffield Road for two decades, shared his worries about the health implications of the excessive dust, describing how it had infiltrated his home after he left a bathroom window open. "Last week I made the mistake of leaving my bathroom window open for a few hours. I found so much dust and cobwebs in my bathroom and it’d almost just appeared out of nowhere," he said. He further noted that dust accumulation on vehicles was substantial, even in the absence of rain, lending a pervasive, uncomfortable atmosphere to daily life during the hot weather.
The disruption extends beyond dust, with the installation of temporary traffic lights on Duffield Road near Allestree Park contributing to feelings of congestion and frustration. Jane Moore, 57, a resident of Evans Avenue for eight years, expressed her exasperation, noting that traffic frequently backs up far beyond local junctions and describing the continual jams as “bringing out the worst in everyone.” She lamented the ongoing disruption despite the area's generally pleasant surroundings and amenities.
Councillor Steve Hassall, representing Allestree Conservative party, voiced criticism of the current approach. He described the work as “slapdash” and insufficient, asserting that the surface dressing falls short of residents' expectations for road maintenance. He argued, “This is just surface dressing rather than a proper resurface so despite any improvement in the current condition of the road surface, residents are still being sold short on what they expect in terms of road repairs and maintenance.” Hassall suggested that the current works may only postpone, rather than solve, the need for more comprehensive repairs.
Derby City Council provided clarification on the maintenance strategy, explaining that surface dressing is intended as a preventative treatment aimed at sealing the existing road surface to extend its life and reduce potholes. The council noted that the initial stage, involving bitumen and chippings, was completed on 13 April. Following this, the road was reopened to help embed loose stones via vehicle movement, with street sweepers actively clearing debris. The council emphasised the installation of temporary 20mph speed limits to mitigate hazards from loose chippings and skidding.
The forthcoming final stage involves the application of an additional bitumen layer to seal the surface fully, giving it a black finish. This is scheduled for 27 April, requiring road closures from 8am for several hours to ensure safety. The council acknowledged that the timetable is dependent on weather conditions, with the possibility of rain causing delays and amendments to schedules. Residents and businesses have been informed through letters, and road markings will be repainted after completion.
Regarding the temporary traffic lights on Abbey Hill, the council clarified these are unrelated to the current works and fall under the management of National Highways.
The road closures will affect traffic on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 April, mirroring similar closures that took place on 13 and 14 April, necessitating adjustments for local residents and commuters during these periods. The council's communication seeks to manage expectations around the temporary inconvenience with a focus on the long-term benefits of extending road usability.
Source: Noah Wire Services