22/07/2025 - Surface treatments programme being carried out to protect and future-proof Luton’s roads

This work will combine different preventative maintenance techniques with extensive resurfacing, to repair roads in poor condition and fill in more potholes than ever.

Surface treatments will be completed as quickly as possible, with the aim of minimising disruption to traffic.

The surface treatment work will include:

Surface dressing is a cost-effective method that restores and seals the road surface in one process. It improves skid resistance which makes the roads safer, whilst also waterproofing the surface. Additionally, it protects roads from frost and water damage which are common causes of potholes.

Asphalt rejuvenation helps reverse the effects of weathering on the road surface, which if untreated can lead to cracks, potholes and other damage. Rejuvenation can extend the life of the road and improve its performance.

Asphalt preservation is a sustainable, environmentally responsible preventative maintenance solution that helps keeps roads in good condition for longer. It helps prevent potholes from forming, protects the road surface from water damage and delays the need for road resurfacing.

Micro-asphalt is a treatment used to extend the lifespan of existing road surfaces. It seals the surface, improves texture, enhances skid resistance, and aids water evaporation - effectively delaying the need for more extensive repairs. 

Surface treatments help protect and preserve newer road surfaces, extending their life span and preventing potholes from forming. They also support Luton’s carbon reduction commitments, being 90% more carbon efficient than traditional treatments. Some of these treatments can extend the life of a road by more than 10 years.

Councillor Javed Hussain, Deputy Executive Leader and Portfolio Holder for Highways and Sustainable Development said: “It is vital that we strike a balance between reactive and proactive road repairs so we can fix the roads in poor condition but also keep more of our roads in good condition for longer, and that is what this programme of maintenance is all about.”