Planned maintenance
Preventative surface treatment: Micro-asphalt (with preparatory patching where required)
Micro-asphalt is a preventative surface treatment used to seal and protect footways before significant deterioration occurs. It is a cold-applied bitumen emulsion that:
- seals the surface to prevent water ingress
- restores texture and appearance
- provides a uniform walking surface
- extends the life of the footway and reduces future maintenance needs
Micro-asphalt is quick, cost effective process and can usually be walked on soon after laying, keeping disruption to a minimum.
Where structural defects exist
Before micro-asphalt can be applied, the footway must be structurally sound. If inspections identify deeper defects in the underlying layers, we carry out localised patching in advance of the micro-asphalt treatment.
Patching involves:
- removing the failed material
- reinstating one or more bituminous layers
- restoring the structural strength of the footway
These patches may be completed several months to a year before the micro-asphalt is laid.
Footway reconstruction
Reconstruction is used when a footway has widespread structural failure and requires deeper intervention. This involves replacing a substantial depth of the bituminous layers and is typically reserved for locations where preventative treatments are no longer suitable.
Reconstruction is more disruptive and usually requires a road closure to carry out the works safely.
As part of our asset management approach, we prioritise reconstruction where it delivers the greatest safety benefit:
- Flagged footways - those with raised or uneven slabs, represent the highest liability risk to pedestrians, and where these defects are widespread or severe, reconstruction may be required to restore a safe and accessible surface.
- High Amenity areas that generate greater footfall - including near schools, shopping areas, care facilities and community buildings.
This ensures that our investment is targeted where it reduces risk most effectively.
Use of recycled materials
Where possible, we use recycled materials produced in Lincolnshire from reclaimed asphalt. This reduces carbon emissions by avoiding the need for new materials and long-distance transport, while keeping valuable resources in use for longer as part of a circular economy.
By re-processing excavated material from other highway schemes into new construction layers, we minimise waste and support local manufacturing.
Using recycled products such as foam-base bitumen allows us to deliver reconstruction schemes more sustainably and with a lower environmental impact.
You can view our latest highways programme for details of current schemes, planned dates and updates.