Road Re-surfacing

[Hybrid Theory]

During September the council will be re-surfacing (Thank, Christ!) the main road through the Gordano Valley. This will mean shutting the road to vehicles. Has anyone experienced their main route being re-surfaced and is it possible for cyclists to get through road re-surfacing works?

 

[Keith Oates]

It depends what type of resurfacing they are doing but as a general rule I would say keep clear if possible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Maz]

Newly re-surfaced roads tend to be a bit of a crunchy ride (and slower), but still passable.

Be wary of 'raised ironworks' should you encounter them.

 

[fossyant]

Beware of freshly laid 'chippings' - feeling the bike twitch under you is a bit botty clenching

 

[snorri]

This will mean shutting the road to vehicles.

Now is the time, before works commence, to speak to your LA and ask if the road will be closed to cyclists. If it will be closed, ask about alternatives. If the alternative is not suitable for you, gradients / surface / increased distance, then demand a shuttle bus that carries bicycles be provided. There is no good reason why you should be greatly inconvenienced just because the LA has failed to consider non motorised vehicles.
On the other hand a few days minor inconvenience may not be worth moaning about.

 

[domd1979]

That's a little extreme. Cyclists benefit from road re-surfacing as well. A main road on my route to work was closed in one direction for six weeks to allow for re-surfacing. I was able to negotiate it contraflow, though it was a pain, I was still a lot less inconvenienced than cars were.

Going back to the OP it depends on how the resurfacing is being done whether the closed bit of road is negotiable on a bicycle. Chances are with machinery around and the surface being stripped off, it isn't worth trying. If the road has houses/businesses along it, then there should be some access-only arrangement in place, in which case it should be negotiable even if technically not allowed.

Now is the time, before works commence, to speak to your LA and ask if the road will be closed to cyclists. If it will be closed, ask about alternatives. If the alternative is not suitable for you, gradients / surface / increased distance, then demand a shuttle bus that carries bicycles be provided. There is no good reason why you should be greatly inconvenienced just because the LA has failed to consider non motorised vehicles.
On the other hand a few days minor inconvenience may not be worth moaning about.

 

[snorri]

That's a little extreme.

Did you read the last line of my post?

 

[domd1979]

Yep - fair point

Did you read the last line of my post?

 

[Trillian]

i think finding out how long they expect it to be closed for and when (the main road near me was done at night with only a small bit closed during the day) to figure out if its just gonna be a week of having a change of route or what.