East Ayrshire’s roads budget has soared to £7 million as council bosses bid to resurface more than 40 miles of routes in the next year.
Cash aimed at targeting the bridge and road network was set at £3.5m but the local authority announced the increase last week.
East Ayrshire Council say the roads infrastructure is one of their most valuable assets and vital to the area’s economic wellbeing, contributing significantly to the local economy and regeneration.
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The Road Condition Index (RCI) reflects the condition of roads within East Ayrshire.
And because of additional investment of over £6m for surfacing works and pothole repairs in 2018/19, there has been an improvement in the area’s RCI rating.
A study carried out suggests that significant investment is required to maintain the network at its current level and that without investment, road conditions would deteriorate, requiring more expensive resurfacing works to be carried out.
Over £15m will be invested this year in the road network including structural maintenance road surfacing, footway maintenance, street lighting improvements including LED light replacement, flooding works at New Cumnock, bridge and culvert strengthening and transportation.
Council leader Douglas Reid said: “This investment in our road network reflects the importance of improved infrastructure on the economic development and regeneration of East Ayrshire.
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“The Ayrshire Roads Alliance, in consultation with elected members, community councils and community action plan steering groups, has developed an ambitious programme of improvements that will ensure the safety of our roads and bridges and will see 65 kilometres of road being surfaced in the next year.”
The alliance has committed to continuing to employ innovative resurfacing techniques as part of the improvement programme.
A section of road between Dunlop and Neilston, East Renfrewshire was resurfaced recently using plastic additives.
This surface is being monitored regularly and further investigations are being undertaken to ensure that the material is cost effective and hard wearing before a commitment is made to resurfacing additional stretches of road with this material.
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Councillor Jim Roberts, cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: “By re-profiling the road and bridge programmes, the council is able to sustain the significant increased and necessary investment in our infrastructure.
“This increased funding will ensure a strong focus on addressing the quality of the infrastructure asset. We are responding to our community’s needs and ensuring the improved safety of both our roads and bridges.”
