Bury’s highways budget for 2026/27 stands at £12.9 million, with just over half allocated to resurfacing carriageways. The council’s Cabinet will decide on the investment plan on 14 October 2026. If approved, the programme will shape maintenance and improvements across the borough, with some projects extending into 2027/28.
Where the money goes
The main allocations, as published by Bury Council, break down as follows:
- £6.6 million for carriageway resurfacing
- £1.4 million for preventative maintenance
- £1.16 million for bridges, culverts and other structures
- £1 million for footway improvements
- More than £1.1 million for road safety schemes
These five categories total just over £11.2 million. The remainder, roughly £1.6 million, covers drainage works, street lighting upgrades and public rights of way maintenance, although the council did not provide separate figures for these areas.
Preventative maintenance saves costs
Preventative maintenance involves sealing and protecting road surfaces before they deteriorate fully. This approach typically costs less per square metre than resurfacing and extends the life of roads, delaying the need for more extensive repairs. Bury highlights this funding as a way to target resources where they preserve road condition and reduce future expenditure.
Supporting bridges and structures
The £1.16 million allocated to structures covers bridges, retaining walls, subways and similar highway assets. These are critical to maintaining connectivity and safe access across the borough. While less visible, this work prevents failures that could disrupt travel and pose safety risks.
Investing in road safety
Road safety funding of over £1.1 million is earmarked for a range of schemes. Examples include new and upgraded pedestrian crossings, school safety measures, and interactive safety signs across locations such as Bury, Prestwich, Whitefield, Tottington, Greenmount and Radcliffe. Specific sites have yet to be published.
Funding sources and strategy
Of the total £12.9 million, £4.374 million derives from the Mayor’s Pothole Fund. The remainder comes from other transport and highways funding already secured by the council. The announcement does not specify whether any of this involves council borrowing.
Bury Council has managed a £30 million, nine-year highway investment strategy since 2017, renewing over 60 miles of road. Earlier in 2026, councillors approved an additional £4 million to further close the maintenance gap recognised due to insufficient Department for Transport allocations.
What this means on the ground
Resurfacing still commands the largest share of funding by far. However, nearly £2.6 million invested in preventative maintenance and structures indicates a move towards addressing issues before they escalate.
The council’s longer-term arrangements include a £168 million highways framework initiated earlier this year, covering contracting for future work. Details on roads scheduled for resurfacing, contractors involved, and timing are expected within the Cabinet report published ahead of the meeting.
Councillor Lucy Smith, Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate Change and Operations, said: “Our highways network is one of the most important public assets we own. By taking a planned, long-term approach, we’re investing in the areas where improvements will have the greatest benefit for residents, communities and the local economy.”
For drivers and residents, the key question remains which streets will be resurfaced and when. For engineers and contractors, the budget split reveals a council balancing immediate repair needs with longer-term preservation, safety and network resilience.
