£1.73m capital roads maintenance plan for MAKI

The planned capital roads programme for 2020/21 includes an allocation of just over £1.73m for Mid Argyll, Kintyre and the Islands.

The programme will focus on a mix of carriageway resurfacing schemes that deliver the best value for money for the roads’ network. It does not simply concentrate on roads in the worst condition, but also treats roads at an earlier stage to prevent them deteriorating further.

Surface dressing schemes are used when the skid resistance of the road surface is poor or the road surface needs to be sealed before it fails. This helps reduce the amount of reactive maintenance for potholes.

Progressing schemes that provide the best rate of return maximises benefit to the traveling public and keeps Argyll and Bute moving.

One of the main projects in the area is the B8001 road in Kintyre, which has been affected by land slips. Tests are being arranged and the final design is expected to involve stabilising the soil with synthetic material, known as Geogrid. This process is typically used on retaining walls at the base of railway embankments to keeps soil from falling on to the track. Once that is complete, the road surface will be re-laid.

Councillor Robin Currie, Policy Lead for Housing, Roads and Infrastructure Services, said: “We are confident in our approach to maintaining our roads.

“Given the limited funding available, and the vast and varied network of carriageway for which we are responsible, it is encouraging to see that there is a gradual, year-on-year improvement in most of our roads. I am also pleased that the council agreed additional monies at the recent budget - £700k across Argyll and Bute - to further help with road capital improvements.”

More details about the capital roads programme, including starting times and progress updates, should be available on the council website www.argyll-bute.gov.uk from April.

Notes: The provisional programme for MAKI is:

Mid Argyll

Kintyre

Islay

  ENDS