Five-year highway maintenance programme approved

Members of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Services Committee agreed proposals put forward by highways officials based on annual condition surveys carried out by specialist contractors using state-of-the-art laser and video equipment, alongside regular visual checks by Council inspectors.

Requests received from members of the public and Ward Councillors are also considered when drawing up the maintenance schedule.

Funding for the maintenance is allocated by the Government, and includes Pot Hole Fund and Incentive Fund monies.

Kieran Bostock, Hartlepool Borough Council’s Assistant Director (Place Management), said: “The areas included in the maintenance programme are those that are in the most need of repair, as identified by the survey methods.

“However, some highways can deteriorate more quickly than others over time, so there needs to be an element of flexibility in the programme where a scheme can be re-prioritised should that prove necessary.

“The key to maintaining the Borough’s highways network successfully is to monitor the condition and, at the best time, apply the most cost-effective treatment to maximise the life of the road.”

Councillor Shane Moore, who chaired the Neighbourhood Services Committee, said: “It is pleasing to note that the Council has received a multi-year funding settlement from the Government which enables us to commit significant resources to the maintenance of highways across the Borough.”

The five-year maintenance programme can be viewed at https://www.hartlepool.gov.uk/downloads/download/2386/five-year_highway_maintenance_programme