We are responsible for around 5,500 miles of roads, mostly made up of:
- 690 miles of A roads
- 488 miles of B roads
- 1,371 miles of C roads
- 2,550 miles of unclassified roads
- 233 miles of unmetalled 'green' lanes
To enable a risk-based maintenance strategy for road maintenance each road is given a maintenance hierarchy based on its function and use.
Nine hierarchies determine how often a road is inspected and the timescale for reactive maintenance:
- Major Road Network - Roads with strategic importance linking areas across the UK.
- Hierarchy 1 - Major long distance, inter-urban routes mainly used for long distance industrial and commercial traffic.
- Hierarchy 2 - Inter-urban routes handling substantial flows of long-distance traffic between adjacent towns in and out of the county.
- Hierarchy 3 - Local roads which provide a good quality connection between main settlements (population of 500 plus) to higher hierarchy roads.
- Hierarchy 4 - Classified roads linking smaller villages and settlements to higher hierarchy roads.
- Hierarchy 5 - Unclassified roads linking smaller villages and settlements to higher hierarchy roads.
- Hierarchy 6 - Urban and rural roads that primarily provide access to residential properties or agricultural land.
- Hierarchy 7 - Minor paved rural and small roads, which include roads overgrown by vegetation.
- Hierarchy 8 - All remaining unclassified roads which are not paved.
View the Local highways maintenance transparency report
Reconstruction
Over time, heavy traffic, weather and general wear can cause deeper structural damage to a road, affecting not only the surface but also the layers beneath.
Where this level of deterioration occurs, reconstruction may be required to restore the road to a safe and reliable condition.
Work process
Reconstruction involves rebuilding part or all of the carriageway structure. The existing road surface and underlying layers are excavated and removed using specialist machinery.
Defective materials are replaced, new foundation layers are constructed, and a new asphalt surface is laid.
Purpose
This type of work addresses structural failure and improves the strength and load-bearing capacity of the road, providing a durable, long-term solution suitable for current and future use.
Reconstruction is typically required where damage is too extensive to be effectively treated through resurfacing or patching. While it is more disruptive than other maintenance treatments, it reduces the need for repeated repairs and helps minimise future disruption.
Planning and prioritisation
Our programme of works is developed in line with the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan and is informed by the latest road condition data.
This data is collected through regular inspections, surveys and monitoring of the highway network, allowing us to prioritise the right treatments at the right time. This ensures investment is targeted and the long-term condition of the network is maintained in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
You can view our latest highways programme for details of current schemes, planned dates and updates.
Resurfacing
Over time, traffic, weather and general wear can cause road surfaces to crack, rut and deteriorate.
Resurfacing replaces the worn surface with new asphalt to restore the road to a safe and serviceable condition.
Work process
The worn or damaged top layers of the road are removed using specialist planing machinery. This creates a clean, even surface and allows defects to be addressed before the new surface is laid.
A new asphalt surface improves skid resistance and removes defects such as potholes, cracking and uneven areas.
Purpose
Resurfacing reduces risks to drivers, cyclists and pedestrians and helps extend the life of the road.
While it is more disruptive than smaller repairs, it is often the most economical option where deterioration is widespread, avoiding repeated patching and emergency works.
Planning and prioritisation
Our programme of works is developed in line with the Highways Asset Management Strategy and is informed by the latest road condition data.
This data is collected through inspections, surveys and monitoring of the highway network. By analysing this information, we can prioritise treatments where they will be most effective, ensuring the right maintenance is carried out at the right time in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
You can view our latest highways programme for details of current schemes, planned dates and updates.
Patching
Patching is a targeted repair method used to fix localised defects such as potholes, cracking or surface failure.
Damaged sections of the road are removed and replaced with new material.
Work process
The damaged sections are cut out using specialist equipment to create clean edges, ensuring the repair is long-lasting. The exposed area is cleaned and treated with a bonding agent to help the new material adhere properly.
New asphalt is placed and compacted to match the surrounding surface, restoring strength and providing a safe, even running surface.
Purpose
Planned patching repairs damaged areas early, extending the overall life of the carriageway and delaying the need for more disruptive and costly treatments such as full resurfacing.
It is more economical than reactive repairs or large-scale reconstruction, reduces repeat visits, and makes better use of public funds. Patching also prepares the road for future preventative treatments, such as surface dressing, helping them perform effectively.
Planning and prioritisation
Our programme of works is developed in line with the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan and is informed by the latest road condition data.
This is collected through regular inspections, surveys and monitoring of the highway network, allowing us to prioritise the right treatment at the right time.
This ensures investment is targeted, risks are managed, and the long-term condition of the network is maintained in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
You can view our latest highways programme for details of current schemes, planned dates and updates.
Carriageway in-situ recycling
Where deterioration affects the structural layers of a road, carriageway in-situ recycling provides a durable and sustainable solution.
This technique is used mainly on rural roads, where traffic levels, site access and environmental considerations make it particularly effective.
By reusing existing materials, it strengthens the carriageway and extends its life without the need for full reconstruction.
Work process
The existing road surface and underlying layers are broken up using specialist machinery and processed on site. These materials are mixed with binding agents to create a recycled aggregate, which is relaid and compacted to form a new, strengthened road layer.
Reusing materials already in the carriageway reduces the need for new aggregates, limits waste and cuts down vehicle movements to and from the site.
Purpose
In-situ recycling addresses structural defects such as cracking, deformation and loss of strength, providing a stable foundation for future surfacing.
On rural roads, this approach is often followed by a surface treatment the following year, sealing the carriageway, improving skid resistance and protecting the recycled layers beneath.
Compared to traditional reconstruction, in-situ recycling is usually quicker and less disruptive, with shorter construction times and reduced impact on local communities.
Planning and prioritisation
Our programme of works is developed in line with the Highways Infrastructure Asset Management Plan and is informed by the latest road condition data.
This is collected through regular inspections, surveys and monitoring of the highway network, allowing us to prioritise the right treatment at the right time.
This ensures investment is targeted, risks are managed, and the long-term condition of the network is maintained in a cost-effective and sustainable way.
You can view our latest highways programme for details of current schemes, planned dates and updates.
Surface dressing
Surface dressing is a preventative treatment, to prolong the life of the roads. It is an essential part of our road maintenance strategy, alongside reconstruction, resurfacing and patching.
Surface dressing:
- helps prevent potholes forming by providing a waterproof seal, preventing the ingress of water
- provides a new skid resistance running surface
- is a cost-effective preventative measure to extend the structural lifespan of roads
- helps prevent disrepair and the need for more extensive and expensive repairs
We typically carry out surface dressing between April and September, when the weather is warm and dry enough for the treatment to be effective.
Before we start
We’ll put up yellow advance warning signs on the affected road at least seven days before work starts.
If you live on a road due to be treated, you’ll receive a leaflet explaining what to expect. We recommend moving your vehicle to another location before the works begin – especially if you’ll need access during the day.
During the works
To keep everyone safe while we work, we use traffic management. This might include temporary road closures, convoy working or stop/go boards.
Surface dressing uses heavy machinery and hot bitumen. If you need access to or from your property, speak to one of our traffic management team – they’ll help you as quickly and safely as possible.
Please avoid walking or driving through wet bitumen. It can stick to shoes, tyres and surfaces such as driveways and carpets.
After the works
Some loose chippings will remain on the road for a short time – this is completely normal. We’ll sweep the road at regular intervals after the treatment:
- within 48 hours
- between 7 and 10 days
- between 12 and 13 weeks
- in February or March, if required
We’ll also repaint road markings as soon as possible. These may look slightly different from previous markings to make sure they meet the latest standards and guidance.
Weather and scheduling
Surface dressing depends on dry weather. Rain or damp surfaces stop the bitumen from sticking properly, so we may need to reschedule at short notice if the forecast changes.
Surface dressing programme
View our latest surface dressing programme, including current schemes, dates, and updates. On some roads, multiple activities may occur, each requiring traffic management at different times and dates.
View our surface dressing programme
Carriageway micro asphalt
Carriageway micro asphalt is a road surface treatment designed to restore texture, improve skid resistance, and extend the life of existing roads.
The specific benefits are that it:
- is a cost-effective treatment applied to worn or aged road surfaces
- seals the surface, fills minor imperfections, and provides a new, smooth running layer
- improves ride quality and overall appearance while helping to prevent further deterioration
Micro asphalt treatments are typically carried out between April and September, as the process requires warm and dry weather conditions.
Before we start
Advance warning signs (yellow) will be placed on affected roads at least seven days before work begins.
Residents on roads due to be treated will receive information explaining what to expect. If you need vehicle access during the day, please move your vehicle to another location before works start.
During the works
To ensure safety, we use traffic management such as road closures, convoy systems, or stop/go boards.
The micro asphalt material is laid in one or two thin layers, which set and cure relatively quickly.
Please avoid walking or driving through the freshly laid surface until it has cured, as it can mark shoes, tyres, and nearby surfaces.
After the works
The site will be swept to remove any loose material once the surface has cured.
Ironworks such as manhole covers and drainage gullies will be adjusted to match the new surface levels where necessary.
The new surface may appear darker or textured immediately after application this is normal and part of the curing process.
As traffic moves over it, the surface will bed in, lighten in colour, and take on a smoother, more uniform appearance over time. Road markings will be repainted as soon as possible.
Weather and scheduling
Micro asphalt surfacing can only take place in dry conditions. If the weather changes or rain is forecast, works may need to be rescheduled at short notice to ensure quality and safety.
Routine inspections
We carry out safety and service inspections of each road. Our inspection frequencies link to the maintenance hierarchies to ensure the most used roads are inspected most regularly.
| Hierarchy | Inspection frequency |
|---|---|
| MRN and Hierarchy 1 | 12 times per year |
| Hierarchy 2 | 4 times per year |
| Hierarchy 3 | 4 times per year |
| Hierarchy 4, 5, and 6 | Once per year |
| Hierarchy 7 | Once every 3 years |
| Hierarchy 8 (not paved) | Once every 5 years |
In addition, we carry out regular condition surveys of the road.
Scanner (Surface Condition Assessment of the National Network of Roads)
Scanner collects data on profiles, texture and cracking. We carry out Scanner surveys on all of the MRN and Hierarchy 1, 2 and 3 roads in one direction each year. We also survey 50% of the Hierarchy 4 roads each year.
CVI (Coarse Visual Inspection)
These industry-accredited visual assessments are designed to collect critical information on the condition of our paved infrastructure.
SCRIM (Sideway-force Coefficient Routine Investigation Machine)
SCRIM is used to identify lengths of road with poor skidding resistance. We survey 33% of the MRN, Hierarchy 1 and 2 network annually.
Deflectograph
This machine measures the structural integrity of the road. The results estimate its remaining expected life and are a crucial component when assessing structural maintenance requirements. We survey 20% of the MRN and Hierarchy 1 and 2 network annually.
All of this survey data is collated to give us an accurate understanding of the condition of Lincolnshire's roads. This enables us to plan and target maintenance effectively, including preventative maintenance.
View our Highway Infrastructure Asset Management Plan.
Road preservation
Road preservation is a proactive treatment that protects road surfaces from ageing and deterioration.
The specific benefits are that it:
- is a cost-effective preventative treatment, applied early in a road’s life to seal micro-cracks and small voids
- prevents potholes by providing a waterproof seal that stops water entering and damaging the surface
Preservation works are typically carried out between April and September, as the process requires warm and dry weather
Before we start
Advance warning signs (yellow) will be placed on affected roads at least seven days before work begins.
Residents on roads due to be treated will receive information explaining what to expect.
If you need vehicle access during the day, please move your vehicle to another location before works start.
During the works
To ensure safety, we use traffic management such as road closures, convoy systems, or stop/go boards.
The surface can take between 1-2 hours to cure fully before being suitable for traffic.
Please avoid walking or driving through wet bitumen. It can stick to shoes, tyres and surface such as driveways and carpets.
After the works
The site will be cleared and cleaned, and the traffic management will be removed as soon as it is safe to do so.
The treatment may make the road surface appear darker or different in colour immediately after application. This is normal and part of the preservation process, which helps protect and extend the life of the road. Over time, as the surface is exposed to traffic and weather, it will lighten gradually and settle into its final appearance, blending naturally with the surrounding road.
Road markings will be repainted as soon as possible.
Weather and scheduling
Road preservation can only take place in dry conditions. If the weather changes or rain is forecast, works may need to be rescheduled at short notice to ensure quality and safety.