We are responsible for around 5,500 miles of roads, mostly made up of:
- 690 miles of A roads
- 488 miles of B roads
- 1,371 miles of C roads
- 2,550 miles of unclassified roads
- 233 miles of unmetalled 'green' lanes
To enable a risk-based maintenance strategy for road maintenance each road is given a maintenance hierarchy based on its function and use.
Nine hierarchies determine how often a road is inspected and the timescale for reactive maintenance:
- Major Road Network - Roads with strategic importance linking areas across the UK.
- Hierarchy 1 - Major long distance, inter-urban routes mainly used for long distance industrial and commercial traffic.
- Hierarchy 2 - Inter-urban routes handling substantial flows of long-distance traffic between adjacent towns in and out of the county.
- Hierarchy 3 - Local roads which provide a good quality connection between main settlements (population of 500 plus) to higher hierarchy roads.
- Hierarchy 4 - Classified roads linking smaller villages and settlements to higher hierarchy roads.
- Hierarchy 5 - Unclassified roads linking smaller villages and settlements to higher hierarchy roads.
- Hierarchy 6 - Urban and rural roads that primarily provide access to residential properties or agricultural land.
- Hierarchy 7 - Minor paved rural and small roads, which include roads overgrown by vegetation.
- Hierarchy 8 - All remaining unclassified roads which are not paved.
Routine inspections
We carry out safety and service inspections of each road. Our inspection frequencies link to the maintenance hierarchies to ensure the most used roads are inspected most regularly.
| Hierarchy | Inspection frequency |
|---|---|
| MRN and Hierarchy 1 | 12 times per year |
| Hierarchy 2 | 4 times per year |
| Hierarchy 3 | 4 times per year |
| Hierarchy 4, 5, and 6 | Once per year |
| Hierarchy 7 | Once every 3 years |
| Hierarchy 8 (not paved) | Once every 5 years |
In addition, we carry out regular condition surveys of the road.
Scanner (Surface Condition Assessment of the National Network of Roads)
Scanner collects data on profiles, texture and cracking. We carry out Scanner surveys on all of the MRN and Hierarchy 1, 2 and 3 roads in one direction each year. We also survey 50% of the Hierarchy 4 roads each year.
CVI (Coarse Visual Inspection)
These industry-accredited visual assessments are designed to collect critical information on the condition of our paved infrastructure.
SCRIM (Sideway-force Coefficient Routine Investigation Machine)
SCRIM is used to identify lengths of road with poor skidding resistance. We survey 33% of the MRN, Hierarchy 1 and 2 network annually.
Deflectograph
This machine measures the structural integrity of the road. The results estimate its remaining expected life and are a crucial component when assessing structural maintenance requirements. We survey 20% of the MRN and Hierarchy 1 and 2 network annually.
All of this survey data is collated to give us an accurate understanding of the condition of Lincolnshire's roads. This enables us to plan and target maintenance effectively, including preventative maintenance.
View our Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan.
Planned maintenance
We analyse information from surveys and inspections to determine the best treatment and timing for repairs or preventative maintenance.
Road micro-asphalt
We apply a cold mix of bitumen emulsion overlay to the surface. Road micro-asphalt seals the surface, preventing water from getting into it. It also improves the texture and skid resistance and helps prevent potholes from forming.
It is quick to lay and can be used immediately afterwards, keeping disruption to a minimum. It is usually used on lightly used roads as an alternative to surface dressing.
By treating a road before faults occur, we can prolong its life and prevent the need for more disruptive treatments.
Resurfacing
This involves replacing the roads top bituminous layer and is used where the surface has failed and there is either the need to restore ride quality, resolve poor drainage characteristics or where there is excessive patching and reinstatements.
We plane off the surface of the carriageway and replace it. When we resurface, we will seek to maintain kerb upstands to aid drainage, and we may lift or lower existing metal covers and gullies to improve ride quality.
Resurfacing will typically require a road closure to enable the works to be carried out safely. Once completed, resurfacing has a lifespan of up to 20 years.
Patching
Patches are repairs to small areas, replacing one or more bituminous layers. We use patching to repair areas where the surface or structural layers are failing.
Depending on the size of the road and the patches, patching can be carried out using traffic management but can also require a road closure. We design patching to have a minimum design life of 10 years.
Patching and surface dressing
Where a road is primarily suitable for surface dressing but has some areas of failure in the structural layers, we aim to patch and then surface dress.
We may patch up to a year before the surface dressing. Surface dressing over the patches can prevent water from getting into the road and provide a uniform surface.
Reconstruction
Reconstruction involves replacing a substantial depth of the bituminous layers. Reconstruction is considered when there are extensive areas of structural failure.
When designing a reconstruction scheme, we use lots of data from our lab to determine the right design to achieve the best results. We utilise locally recycled material such as foam-base bitumen where possible to reduce the scheme's and our carbon footprint.
Reconstruction works are extensive and can be disruptive as they will mainly require a road closure to carry out the work safely.
Re-tread
Re-treading involves planing the road, then re-grading and re-profiling on site before a surface dressing is applied. Additives may be used to stabilise the works further.
It is usually used on lightly used roads with significant areas of structural deterioration. It uses very little new material, reducing the carbon impact of the work.
While works are happening a full road closure will be required while works are happening due to the machinery's size and construction depth.
Surface dressing
Surface dressing is a preventative treatment, to prolong the life of the roads. It is an essential part of our road maintenance strategy, alongside reconstruction, resurfacing and patching.
Surface dressing:
- helps prevent potholes forming by providing a waterproof seal, preventing the ingress of water
- provides a new skid resistance running surface
- is a cost-effective preventative measure to extend the structural lifespan of roads
- helps prevent disrepair and the need for more extensive and expensive repairs
We typically carry out surface dressing between April and September, when the weather is warm and dry enough for the treatment to be effective.
Before we start
We’ll put up yellow advance warning signs on the affected road at least seven days before work starts.
If you live on a road due to be treated, you’ll receive a leaflet explaining what to expect. We recommend moving your vehicle to another location before the works begin – especially if you’ll need access during the day.
During the works
To keep everyone safe while we work, we use traffic management. This might include temporary road closures, convoy working or stop/go boards.
Surface dressing uses heavy machinery and hot bitumen. If you need access to or from your property, speak to one of our traffic management team – they’ll help you as quickly and safely as possible.
Please avoid walking or driving through wet bitumen. It can stick to shoes, tyres and surfaces such as driveways and carpets.
After the works
Some loose chippings will remain on the road for a short time – this is completely normal. We’ll sweep the road at regular intervals after the treatment:
- within 48 hours
- between 7 and 10 days
- between 12 and 13 weeks
- in February or March, if required
We’ll also repaint road markings as soon as possible. These may look slightly different from previous markings to make sure they meet the latest standards and guidance.
Weather and scheduling
Surface dressing depends on dry weather. Rain or damp surfaces stop the bitumen from sticking properly, so we may need to reschedule at short notice if the forecast changes.
Surface dressing programme
You can view our latest surface dressing programme, including current schemes, dates and updates: