Road surface conditions impacted by extreme temperatures.
Road surface temperatures have been reported as high as 54 degrees in parts of Cheshire East this week, and our highways teams have been out across the borough monitoring and responding to the impacts of the weather.

UK roads are typically designed for wet, cold and changeable weather conditions, and can respond differently during periods of prolonged and intense heat.

A particular challenge is roads where surface dressing has recently been carried out as part of our investment programme for the year. Surface dressing uses bitumen – a black binding material that holds the road together – with stone on top. In high temperatures, it can soften and rise.

Operational response
Highways teams are actively monitoring conditions, using data from the council’s three weather stations.
They are carrying out daily, repeated site visits to monitor surface conditions and inspect roads, particularly areas where surface dressing has recently been carried out. This has meant that any issues have been identified quickly and addressed to prevent further damage.
Where signs of excess bitumen rising to the surface have been identified, gritters have been used to apply granite dust to stabilise the surface and improve skid resistance. Granite dust has also been applied to roads where surface dressing has recently taken place.
More than 30 tonnes of granite dust have been applied across the network this week. Further dusting operations are planned for today and over the weekend, with resources being deployed flexibly to respond to changing conditions and emerging hotspots.
The A6 and Chelford Road remain the most challenging areas due to traffic volumes and site-specific conditions.
Next week’s action

Once temperatures begin to fall next week:
– Inspections will be carried out to assess any defects or road deterioration.
– The findings of these inspections will inform a prioritised programme of remedial works.

Cllr Adams has also sent further information and a photo to Cheshire East Highways today regarding current road conditions and expressed her serious concerns about highways safety and requested urgent action.

She will also be raising the matter at a Shadow Cabinet meeting on Monday