Planned Road Maintenance
Surface Dressing
Surface dressing is one of the ways we maintain roads across Manchester. It helps protect roads that are still structurally sound but are beginning to show signs of wear.
This preventative treatment helps extend the life of the existing road surface, improves grip for road users and reduces the need for more extensive and costly repairs in the future.
Why are we carrying out this work?
Road surfaces naturally wear over time due to traffic, weather and daily use.
Surface dressing helps to:
- Extend the life of the road surface
- Improve skid resistance on worn or polished roads
- Seal the road against water damage
- Reduce the need for larger resurfacing works
- Help us maintain the road network more efficiently
Carrying out preventative maintenance at the right time helps keep roads in good condition for longer and minimises disruption in the future.
Type of work
Surface Dressing
Surface dressing is a treatment applied to existing road surfaces to create a waterproof seal and improve grip.
The treatment is carried out in two phases.
Phase 1 – Applying the surface dressing
- The road is cleaned and prepared.
- A layer of liquid bitumen (a road-binding material) is sprayed onto the carriageway.
- Stone chippings are manually spread immediately over the bitumen.
- A road roller passes over the surface to press the chippings into place.
Between phases
Over the following days, the road is swept several times to remove any loose or excess chippings.
It is normal to see some loose chippings during this period.
Phase 2 – Sealing the surface
Approximately one week later:
- A further layer of bitumen is applied.
- This helps lock the stone chippings into place.
- Additional sweeping takes place where required.
- Road markings are normally reinstated around one week after Phase 2, once the surface has settled and it is suitable to do so.
Once the treatment has fully settled and all necessary sweeping has been completed, temporary signs will be removed.
What to expect
Road closures and access
To carry out the work safely, temporary road closures will be required while the treatment is applied.
- Signed diversion routes will be in place.
- Access arrangements will be maintained wherever possible.
- Residents and businesses may experience short periods of disruption.
- Access for emergency services will be maintained.
- Local businesses will remain open and access will be facilitated where it is safe to do so.
- All vehicles must be removed from the road and any affected footways before works begin. Vehicles left within the works area may be removed to allow the work to be carried out safely and on schedule. Where possible, vehicles will be relocated to a nearby street. Information about parking restrictions and vehicle removals will be provided in advance of the works.
If you have specific access requirements, please contact the contractor: Kiely Bros Customer Care Line. Available Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm: 0121 772 3800 or email customercare@kielybros.co.uk
Loose chippings
Following treatment, some loose chippings are expected and form part of the normal surface dressing process.
Warning signs and advisory speed limits may remain in place until the surface has fully settled and sweeping operations are complete.
Weather and programme changes
Surface dressing is highly dependent on suitable weather conditions.
All dates shown are target dates and may change at short notice due to:
- Weather conditions
- Parked vehicles preventing access to sections of road
- Operational requirements
- Other unforeseen circumstances
We recommend checking this page regularly for the latest updates before travelling.
Current and Upcoming Works
Main Road Closures:
- Surface Dressing Works – August 2026
For other roadwork closures:
Visit Transport for Greater Manchester’s roadworks website