A MULTI-MILLION pound investment into Dorset's roads is set to resurface those deemed to be 'failing' - and prevent others falling into decline.

The Dorset Echo reported on Saturday how Dorset County Council received £19m from central government to transform the county's roads.

Now, more details have emerged as to what exactly the cash will be spent on.

A spokesman for Dorset County Council said the investment will support schemes linked to safety, prosperity and health - i.e. those that encourage economic growth and promote sustainable and alternative transport options.

Of the £19m, £11.6m will be spent on road repairs. Of this £11.6m, 53 per cent - just over £6m - will be spent on resurfacing failing roads, targeting those with poor skid resistance, and/or in poor condition, focussing on high risk areas and strategic links to businesses and communities.

In addition, 34 per cent - around £4m - will go towards preventative treatments intended to stop the decline of roads, prolonging life. Includes surface dressing, retexturing and rejuvenation techniques. And 13 per cent  - £1,508,000 - will be spent on permanent and proactive patching.

From the rest of the pot, £2m will be spent on maintaining the county's bridge stock and supporting structures as well as:

  • £600,000 on drainage – targeting ‘hotspots’ where highway flooding has occurred
  • £400,000 on footways 
  • £125,000 on road signs 
  • £125,000 on road markings

The county council spokesman said £2.492million will go towards the National Productivity Investment Fund. This relates to the A350/C13 Corridor improvements scheme, to include measures to improve the movement of vehicles, in particular HGVs. The scheme also includes carriageway resurfacing and drainage improvements.

 And there will be £2.088million for the Integrated Transport Block. This is for schemes linked to highway safety and  improving accessibility and reducing congestion, and promoting sustainable transport options.

Andrew Martin, the authority's service director for highways, has welcomed the investment.