The warmer weather over the past few weeks means Devon’s annual surface dressing season is now underway.
Between May and September, Devon County Council will treat around 150 sites, covering nearly 250 kilometres of road.
Surface dressing is different from pothole repairs – it’s a preventative treatment used on roads that are still in reasonable condition.
It helps stop potholes forming and extends the life of the surface, reducing the need for more costly repairs later.
The process involves spraying a layer of bitumen emulsion onto the road, followed by stone chippings which are rolled in to seal the surface and improve grip.
And because the chippings need warm, dry conditions to bond, work is carried out during the summer months.
However, work depends on the weather – and if it’s cold or wet work may be rescheduled.
Following treatment most roads reopen the same day. Temporary speed limits are put in place to help the new surface bed in and to reduce the risk from loose chippings.
Within a day the newly dressed road is swept to remove loose chippings; and to minimise waste these chippings are recycled. They are collected, cleaned and reused on future schemes.

Go-ahead for ‘massive’ Honiton care home
‘Last chance’ for derelict Devon farm building
Royal Devon wins national award for pioneering digital care in patients own homes
All Aboard The Summer Book Quest!
Can you crack it? GWR challenges customers to decipher code hidden on train for past four years
Ten Royal Devon donated anaesthetic machines transported from Devon to Ukraine to support critical care treatment
Citizens Advice provides new emergency funds in Devon
More than £25,000 of falsely claimed Council Tax Reduction recovered from single household
Police Condemn ‘Pathetic’ Vandalism After Exmouth Pride Banner Removed Again
Police aim to keep youngsters safe as they warn about the dangers of abandoned buildings
New look Central Station is major boost to rail passengers in Exeter
Unique opportunity to help shape the future of Heavitree and Whipton
Exmouth RNLI help teenagers cut off by rising tide
Heavitree paddling pools set to reopen
Lord Mayor of Exeter’s Commendation Awards
Next steps at Jacobs Ladder and Sidmouth Millennium Walkway
