Programme underway to improve, repair and reline Swindon’s roads

Connor Construction South West Ltd, the Council’s highways contractor, is currently undertaking the major programme which includes road and footpath repairs, thermal patching, the refreshing of road markings and gully cleaning.

Following a successful trial last year, the Council is expanding the use of thermal road repair technology to renew larger sections of roads in need of repair without the need to close routes or resurface entire carriageways. This method uses infra-red heat pulses to melt the existing top surface only and then mix in a small amount of new material, creating a more durable permanent repair. It forms part of a wider strategy to be less reliant on short-term fixes and focus on better value repairs that last longer and reduce disruption for residents.

Work has already been carried out in the Ridgeway ward of Swindon, with crews set to move across other parts of the Borough in the coming months.

Alongside patching work, teams are carrying out relining at key road junctions and routes, as well as footpath resurfacing, including recently completed improvements on Dorcan Way.

The programme builds on the Council’s successful summer resurfacing programme which saw more than 20 roads across the Borough improved, including Station Road, Colebrook Road, Eastcott Road and Bath Road.

Together, these projects form part of almost £6m being invested by the Council on highways and pathways in this current financial year.

The budget includes £1.6m for planned maintenance and surface dressing for major carriageways, £1.3m on planned maintenance for minor roads and £200,000 on reactive pothole repairs. Funding also supports street furniture repairs, traffic light maintenance and gully cleaning.

Councillor Nick Gardiner, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Residents rightly expect us to invest in the roads they use every day, and this programme is about making sure we spend taxpayers’ money in the most effective way possible.

"By carrying out more thermal patching and relining work, we're focusing on longer-lasting repairs rather than repeatedly returning to the same locations. That means better value for money, fewer disruptions and a more reliable road network for residents, businesses and visitors.

“We know there’s plenty of work still to do and our teams are working hard to get our roads into a position we’re happy with. While there may be some temporary disruption as work takes place, we’re using traffic management wherever possible to keep Swindon moving.”