In February a new more efficient and speedy way of filling potholes was introduced, using a cold asphalt known as Viafix which could be laid in 30 minutes in all weathers and guaranteed for two years.
More than 1,000 potholes have been fixed in six weeks since and the backlog caused by the heavy rain is being eliminated rapidly. Now another innovation is being trialled in the form of ‘Velocity Patching’ a machine which repairs potholes by jet spraying into potholes without the need for excavation.
Announcing the figures and the use of the new machine Councillor Nicholas Bennett, Executive Councillor for Transport, Highways and Road Safety commented, “Bromley as London’s largest borough has 550 miles of road equal to the distance from here to Zurich. Many of the 3500 roads are narrow country lanes and this new machine, although not suitable for urban roads, will enable us to patch roads in a fast and inexpensive way saving motorists unnecessary delays and lengthy detours.”
Councillor Bennett continued, “The best way to tackle potholes is by resurfacing the road and through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) surveys which show up problems under the road surface we can get a better assessment of the roads most in need of treatment. This year we have won a government grant so we can double the amount we are spending to nearly £5.5m on renewing more road surfaces in their entirety.
“I thank our road inspectors and Bromley’s diligent residents who report problems on FixmyStreet together using new these new innovations and resurfacing we can keep making Bromley better”.
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