Hull City Council Launches Footpath Improvement Programme Across 18 Streets
Residents across Hull will notice improvement works on their doorstep as the council kicked off its annual slurry seal footpath improvement programme on Monday 23 March, targeting approximately 19,000 square metres of footpaths across 18 streets and one park.
The programme, which is expected to be completed by Wednesday 22 April, involves laying a thin protective layer over existing footpaths to remove shallow defects such as potholes and cracking and seal against water ingress. The treatment extends the life of footpaths significantly, preventing minor damage from worsening into more costly repairs.
How slurry sealing works
Slurry sealing is a well-established maintenance technique that involves applying a mixture of fine aggregate, bitumen emulsion and water to the footpath surface. The mixture is spread evenly, filling cracks and levelling minor defects before setting to create a smooth, weather-resistant finish.
The process is relatively quick — most footpaths can be treated in a single day — and the surface is typically ready for pedestrian use within a few hours. However, the council is asking residents to avoid walking on freshly treated surfaces until barriers and signage have been removed.
"Slurry sealing is one of the most cost-effective ways to maintain our footpaths," said a Hull City Council highways spokesperson. "It's preventative maintenance — by treating surfaces before they deteriorate further, we avoid the need for much more expensive full resurfacing down the line."
Where the work is taking place
The programme covers 18 streets and one park across Hull, with areas selected based on condition surveys carried out by the council's highways team. Priority has been given to footpaths showing the earliest signs of deterioration, where treatment will have the greatest impact.
Residents on affected streets will receive advance notification from the council, including details of when work is expected to take place and any temporary restrictions on access. The council has asked residents to move vehicles where possible to allow clear access for the treatment crews.
Weather dependent
As with all outdoor highways works, the programme is weather dependent. Slurry sealing cannot be applied in wet conditions or when temperatures are too low, as the mixture requires dry weather to set properly. The council has built contingency time into the programme to allow for weather-related delays.
"We're keeping a close eye on the forecast and we'll adjust the schedule as needed," the spokesperson said. "If work on a particular street has to be postponed due to weather, we'll let residents know as soon as possible and reschedule at the earliest opportunity."
Part of a wider investment
The footpath improvement programme forms part of Hull City Council's broader investment in the city's highways infrastructure. Alongside footpath maintenance, the council is also delivering its annual road resurfacing programme, bridge maintenance works and improvements to cycling infrastructure.
"Well-maintained footpaths are essential for accessibility, safety and community pride," the spokesperson added. "Nobody wants to walk on cracked, uneven surfaces — they're uncomfortable, they're a trip hazard, and they send the wrong message about how we value our neighbourhoods."
The council welcomes reports of footpath defects from residents, which can be submitted through the Hull City Council website or by calling customer services. While not all reported issues can be addressed immediately, they are logged and used to inform future maintenance programmes.
The slurry seal programme is expected to wrap up by 22 April, weather permitting, leaving 18 streets and one park with smoother, safer footpaths heading into the summer months.