Council starts 6-month PATCH road repair programme

Highway repair crews have embarked on a six month tour of Swansea to tackle some of the city’s worst road defects.

The road repair crews are part of Swansea Council’s PATCH highway maintenance programme which operates annually, repairing larger road defects in all communities throughout the city.

The teams will spend up to two weeks in each ward in Swansea, starting in Pontarddulais and Gowerton before moving on to Gorseinon and Cockett.

The scheme will come to an end in April 2023 when the maintenance crews will visit Llansamlet and Waterfront (Swansea Marina).

Andrew Stevens, Cabinet Member for Environment & Infrastructure, said: “Our PATCH road repair scheme is a great way for the council to tackle repairs in every community in the city.

“The repairs are planned, based on inspections carried out by our Highways teams, as well as relying on information passed to us by the public and ward councillors.

“It’s a great system which gives us the chance to spend a good amount of time in each community, making sure some of the worst defects are put right, helping to prolong the lifespan of our road network.”

PATCH is one of a number of highway repair initiatives the Council has committed to for 2022/23 after approving £6.4million of investment for Swansea’s roads during the budget agreement earlier in the year.

£700,000 is invested in the PATCH scheme through the Highways Maintenance budget with an additional £300,000 being put towards it from the Council’s Economic Recovery Fund (ERF).

Major road resurfacing schemes and footway renewals are also being completed this year with £1.3m being spent on both.

£750,000 will also be spent on improving drainage in communities and upgrading street lighting.

Cllr Stevens added: “We’ve committed significant investment in our highway infrastructure this year, during a time where finances are limited. I think this illustrates the commitment we are making, to ensure communities have good quality roads and pavements and contribute to safer communities across the city. This is a priority for us.”

(Lead image: Swansea Council)