Increased investment in Council’s Highways Service showing results
Following an increased investment in the road network made by the Council, Cheshire West and Chester Council has welcomed the announcement of a multi-year settlement from the Department for Transport which will enable the service to continue to plan more effective and efficient operations to keep the road network running smoothly.
The Highways Service is responsible for over 1,450 miles of roads and 1,250 miles of pavements. Increased investment will see a three-fold increase in resurfacing this year, whilst the amount of road surface dressing has more than doubled.
The Council increased funding by almost £5m this year to £14.1m plus an increase from the Department for Transport has resulted in 9,032 defects (potholes) being repaired since April with 99.8% of all defect repairs carried out being permanent. During the summer and autumn there has been an extensive programme of resurfacing and road treatments, most recently in Barnton, Northwich, Winsford, Burton, Hoole, Huntington, Marston and roads in Ellesmere Port.
A patching and preparation programme is carried out between January and April in advance of the summer’s surface treatment programme of works. Carriageway treatment works are weather dependent (so predominantly April to September operations).
The current funding level from the Department for Transport is £15.4m. Next year’s total will be £16m, rising to £23.1m in 2029/30, part of the settlement is based on performance.
Councillor Karen Shore, the Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways (including Waste), said:
The multi-year settlement will enable us to resurface priority roads across the borough reduce potholes and improve road conditions for public transport users, cyclists and all other road users. We can continue upgrading pavements and footways to support accessibility for wheelchair users, parents with prams, and those with mobility challenges. We will enhance cycleways and walking routes to encourage sustainable travel and reduce congestion. We also have a programme to strengthen bridges and highway structures to ensure resilience and safety. “There is still considerable work to be done, the funding to 2030 will enable our Highways Service to do more to keep the borough road network running smoothly. The trajectory for 29/30 is more than double last year’s baseline level of £11.2m. As was the case in 2025 to 2026, a portion of this funding will be designated as incentive funding and is subject to us demonstrating that we comply with best practice in highway maintenance. During the winter months, a combination of wet and cold weather causes the most damage to road surfaces. Our online reporting systems make it very easy for residents to report faults like potholes, they are important additional eyes and ears alongside the routine inspections by highways officers.
Programmes for 2026 are being prepared with work starting in January in Ellesmere Port between the train station and market. Lighting columns are being replaced through to March with the A5117 Shotwick-Frodsham Road scheduled for late January, A41 Chester Road in February and A540 Parkgate Road in March.