Gloucestershire County Council is poised to deploy a formidable new asset in the ongoing battle against the scourge of potholes that have plagued the county’s roads. A 13-tonne JCB Pothole Pro, equipped with the capability to swiftly excise damaged sections of road surfaces, is set to join the council’s arsenal in a concerted effort to address the widespread deterioration caused by inclement weather conditions.
As the tempestuous grip of winter gradually loosens, the council is intensifying its efforts to rectify road defects exacerbated by the UK’s wettest winter in over a century. A representative for the council highlighted the significance of this initiative, noting, “The UK’s wettest winter for 130 years has put our roads under pressure, but we are trialling new materials and techniques to make better longer-lasting repairs to Gloucestershire roads.”
The JCB Pothole Pro, renowned for its efficacy in swiftly excising damaged road sections, is poised to traverse every district within Gloucestershire during the spring season. In tandem with this behemoth of road repair machinery, a Spray Injection Patcher, capable of doubling the pace of pothole repairs, will be deployed across the county, bolstering the council’s resolve to address the widespread road deterioration.
Furthermore, the council is taking proactive measures to mitigate the escalation of smaller potholes into larger hazards. A dedicated cadre of “Find and Fix” teams, comprising eight units strategically dispersed across the county, are tasked with pre-emptively addressing clusters of smaller potholes before they burgeon into more significant threats to road safety. In addition to these specialised teams, the council maintains a contingent of 30 regular repair teams, ensuring a comprehensive approach to road maintenance and safety.
Moreover, in a bid to provide transparency and accountability, the council unveiled last month a comprehensive list comprising over 150 roads slated for resurfacing during the current fiscal year. The forthcoming spring and summer months will witness a concerted effort to refurbish larger thoroughfares, with an emphasis on employing hot rolled asphalt, renowned for its durability, albeit contingent on favourable weather conditions.
Conversely, smaller roads, where alternative resurfacing materials can be utilised, will undergo refurbishment predominantly during the autumn and winter seasons, reflecting a pragmatic approach to optimising resources and maximising the efficacy of road repair efforts.
As Gloucestershire County Council mobilises its resources to confront the menace of potholes and road degradation, the introduction of the JCB Pothole Pro heralds a new chapter in the council’s commitment to enhancing road safety and infrastructure resilience. With concerted efforts to trial innovative materials and techniques, coupled with strategic planning and proactive maintenance, the council aims to pave the way towards safer, smoother journeys for residents and motorists traversing Gloucestershire’s thoroughfares.
