Surface treatment work using micro-asphalt has commenced in Torfaen with the aim of halting deterioration on approximately 25 roads.

Almost £1 million is being allocated to this initiative over the next several weeks, focusing on routes flagged as declining in a condition assessment.

An additional £1 million is also being directed toward resurfacing and extensive repairs to carriageways experiencing more significant wear this year.

Tydies and Willins in the Coed Eva area were penciled in for treatment on March 27 to March 28, with Teynes in the same locality scheduled to follow on March 29.

Further routes scheduled for micro-asphalting include Old Abergavenny Road in New Inn, due to commence on March 29, Bagley Court in Thornhill from March 30 to March 31, Penywain Lane in Pontypool from March 31 to April 1, and Penmaes Road in Greenmeadow on April 2 with a further phase from April 7 to April 8.

Weather permitting, the micro-asphalt programme should be completed by late April.

Each layer of micro-asphalt, which waterproofs the surface and can add up to 15 years to a road’s lifespan, stays wet for approximately 30 minutes and changes colour from brown to dark grey or black.

Traffic passing over the freshly applied material helps consolidate the surface and regulates the curing process.

Loose stones may accumulate on the carriageway for some time following completion.

The treatment involves two coats, with the initial layer levelling the existing surface and the second coat providing the finished texture.

Beyond micro-asphalting, further extensive repairs and resurfacing schemes will be carried out this year on routes identified as requiring more substantial intervention, following discussions with elected members.

Last month, a further £100,000 was spent on major repairs along Varteg Road and Coed-y-Cric Road in Griffithstown.

The works form part of the authority’s five-year Better Roads programme for local highway investment.

During the previous year, 38 carriageways underwent resurfacing through this scheme, which operates alongside the council’s regular annual highways budget.