More than 15,000 potholes repaired as West Sussex prepares for another difficult winter

More than 15,000 potholes have been repaired across West Sussex in just six months as the county council steps up efforts to tackle damaged roads and reduce the risk of flooding ahead of winter.

West Sussex County Council says a combination of exceptionally heavy rainfall last winter and prolonged heat during the summer has caused widespread damage to the county's road network.

Highways teams have repaired more than 15,000 potholes and patched over 110,200 square metres of road surface during the first six months of the financial year, following a sharp rise in defects caused by severe weather.

The council is now preparing for another potentially challenging winter, with additional work planned to improve drainage, repair roads and strengthen flood protection in vulnerable communities.

Among the priorities are 63 locations identified as being at risk of flooding, where roadside drains, ditches and other drainage systems will be cleared over the next eight weeks.

Since 1 April 2026, highways teams have already cleaned 29,645 drains and other drainage systems and completed 75 schemes to improve drainage across the county.

A further nine major drainage improvement projects are expected to be completed by 31 March 2027.

Particular attention is being paid to Shripney, near Bognor Regis, which suffered significant flooding during last winter's heavy rainfall.

The council says drainage cleaning has already taken place in the area, while work is continuing with the Environment Agency to remove silt from river outlets and help water flow away more easily.

Longer-term solutions to reduce the risk of flooding in Shripney are also being investigated.

Meanwhile, the impact of the summer heatwave has created additional challenges for road maintenance teams.

High temperatures caused some road surfaces to soften, leaving them vulnerable to damage as the weather cooled and the tarmac hardened again.

During the hot weather, crushed granite was spread on affected roads to help stabilise the surface.

These roads are now being inspected, with further repairs planned where necessary. More seriously damaged stretches could require specialist treatment or complete resurfacing.

The council has also invested in a new road repair machine designed to tackle potholes more efficiently.

The equipment heats and reuses existing tarmac, allowing several potholes to be repaired at once without digging up large sections of road.

Officials say the technology will help tackle smaller defects before they develop into more serious problems, while reducing waste, cutting emissions and lowering long-term repair costs.

Councillor Erika Woodhurst-Trueman, West Sussex County Council's Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said:

“Both last winter’s exceptional rainfall and this summer’s prolonged periods of high temperatures had a significant effect on our road network, causing both damage and disruption. While we can’t control the weather, our highways teams have been planning for the possibility of another challenging winter and doing everything they can to keep our roads safe and West Sussex residents and visitors moving.

“I am very proud of how they have responded to the changing demands of extreme weather and their determination to reduce the impact of future severe weather events.”

As temperatures begin to fall, the council is also upgrading its fleet of gritting vehicles to improve road safety during icy conditions.

New equipment will allow salt to be mixed with water before being spread onto roads, helping it stick to the surface more effectively rather than being blown or washed away.

The council says the changes should improve the effectiveness of gritting while making better use of salt supplies.

The improvements form part of a wider programme designed to keep the county's busiest roads operating safely during periods of freezing weather.

Councillor Woodhurst-Trueman added: “The team have been working hard, clearing drainage assets such as ditches, gullies and culverts, giving priority to flood-prone areas, progressing long-term drainage solutions in flood-prone locations such as Shripney, and continuing investment in innovative maintenance techniques and winter service improvements.

“By taking action now, we are helping to ensure that residents can continue to travel safely and that our highway network remains as resilient as possible throughout the winter months.

“The recent work demonstrates how the council is using innovation and funding to deliver tangible improvements for residents while making the best use of public resources to provide a safer, more resilient highway network for residents and road users across the county.”

The council says its highways teams will continue monitoring roads, clearing drains and carrying out repairs throughout the winter months.

The work is intended to reduce disruption for motorists and residents, particularly in communities that have experienced repeated flooding and weather-related road damage.

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