The council is set to put in £2.25m to help repair the roads left in a poor condition following the cold weather experienced this winter.
The highway network in the East Riding covers more than 3,300km (2000 miles) and supports over 26 million journeys a year. It is a vital part of the infrastructure on which the community and economy of the East Riding depend.
During the last two winters, the region has been subjected to lengthy and extreme winter conditions. The freezing temperatures working with water in the highways surface have led to an increased number of potholes/defects and local structural failures of the roads footways and bridges. This was evident for everyone to see.
In recognition of the importance of the highway network to residents, an additional investment of some £650,000 was identified and approved when the council set its budget in February 2010. .
Whilst the planned work programme has already been re-prioritised to help tackle the winter damage, the council has now, subject to the cabinet’s agreement on 8th June, managed to set aside a further £1.6m enabling more planned maintenance work to be carried out. This funding comes in addition to £1m received from the Department for Transport to help deal with the winter damage.
Councillor Stephen Parnaby OBE, leader of the council, said: “Having a good road network is important to keep the East Riding moving and working. It is an issue of great concern to residents and I want to re-assure them that it is also a priority for the council and we will put in as many resources as we have at our disposal to maintain the network.”
The council is continuing to look for other funds and bid for resources.
