A highways chief has admitted more money is need to carry out a full repair of a main road between Lichfield and Burntwood.
Drivers had criticised Staffordshire County Council after resurfacing work left the carriageway on the A5190 from Pipehill with a scored appearance.
Cllr Helen Fisher, Cabinet member for highways and transport, told Lichfield Live the county council would be assessing the quality of the finish.
But in an email to a resident who raised concerns directly, she admitted the cost of a full repair was beyond the authority’s means at the present time.
“The council has previously identified the A5190 Lichfield Road from the Stockhay Lane junction to near the Broad Lane junction for treatment in its forward programme,” Cllr Fisher said in an email seen by Lichfield Live.
“The road needs significant investment to renew its structure. This was last priced at £1.3million to remove the existing tarmac and relay new tarmac.
“Unfortunately current funding levels do not enable these works to be carried out.”
Cllr Fisher said the work carried out was a common way of extending the life of carriageways.
“The council has addressed the condition of the road surface through a long-established surface dressing method,” she said. “This involves repairing the potholes on the road before laying a new thin layer of ‘tarmac’ on top.
“Surface dressing waterproofs the existing road surface, which helps to reduce – but not stop – the formation of potholes, and it improves the grip of the road surface.
“It is a widely used and recognised method of extending the life of a road and improving its grip.
“The road has been driven by highway officers and no significant issues have been identified in terms of the road surface quality or with the ironwork.
“The council has a two-year guarantee provided by the contractors who have carried out the surface dressing and should any remedial work be identified, it will be put right at their cost.”
“Challenging decisions”
Some of the concerns raised by road users include the potential for cyclists to get caught in the grooves on the new surface.
Cllr Fisher added: “I do appreciate that any texture present on the new road surface would be felt more keenly on a road bike.
“I would like to assure you that the road is inspected every month by highway inspectors and should any issues be identified they will be addressed as resources allow.
“The council has to make challenging decisions on how best to maintain its 6,000 kilometre highway network across Staffordshire, while facing increases in demand in providing vital services for vulnerable children and adults, as well as the many other services it delivers.
“I hope that you can understand the decisions made on road maintenance against this backdrop.”
