‘Project Pothole’ initiative was conceived in 2022 and first developed in partnership with Luton Borough Council as part of an invest to save programme. Our priority is to make the network safe for all road users and so, in this financial year, we will permanently fix over 1,560 potholes (60% up on 2021-22 figures) in Luton. The focus will continue to be on new treatments such as Thermal Road Repairs, coordinated in a specialist surface treatment programme with our supply chain, using surface dressing, asphalt preservation and micro-asphalts.

We are implementing a roll out of this programme with all our clients to deliver ‘Project Pothole’ or a variant during 2023/24.

This scheme is additional to some of the emergency works already undertaken in Mountgrace Road, Albert Road, Latimer Road and Vauxhall Way in Luton.

Recent survey results showed that residents consider the condition of Luton’s roads as the highest priority when asked for feedback about highways and transportation issues.

The surface treatment programme, delivered by specialist contractor, RMS, will keep roads in good condition for longer, stopping cracks and potholes and improve skid resistance, making roads safer to travel on.

There are various types of surface treatments and this year, we will be using:

Surface Dressing:

Surface dressing is a cost-effective way of restoring the road surface and sealing it in one process. It also helps waterproof the road and improve skid resistance, so it is safer for all vehicles to travel on.

Asphalt Preservation:

Asphalt preservation keeps the roads in better condition for longer. When we spray asphalt preservation on the road, it penetrates into cracks and other inconsistencies, preventing water ingress and stopping potholes from forming on the surface of the road. Asphalt preservation is more than 90% more carbon efficient compared to the more traditional maintenance processes.

Rejuvenation:

Asphalt rejuvenation penetrates the asphalt well below the surface to protect the asphalt binder that is in the surface of the road. It seals the road surface against air, water and chemicals, which extends the effective service life of the pavement.

Micro- asphalt:

Micro-asphalt is a material used to provide a new surface layer to an existing road. It contains bitumen emulsion, fine aggregate, cement and water. It is a surface treatment applied over an existing road surface.

Cllr Javed Hussain, portfolio holder for sustainable development and highways at Luton Borough Council said, “The extra money we are investing in Luton’s roads is a commitment to ensure we repair as many potholes as possible, as well as treating other roads to keep them in better condition for longer and to help stop potholes forming in the first place.

“Surface treatments are a sustainable and cost-effective way to protect and preserves our roads in the future, meaning we will be spending less on pothole repairs in the future.”

Jerry Pert, operations director for VolkerHighways, said, “Our roads are essential to keep us all connected and that is why we are pleased to be working with Luton Borough Council on this important resurfacing programme. Throughout the duration of the works, we will work closely with Luton Borough Council and other stakeholders to minimise disruption to the local community and ensure ample notice is given to affected residents.”

Find out more about Luton’s road treatment programme and how to report a pothole.