Croydon is set for widespread road repairs after a £17.58 million highways programme was approved, as reported by our sister title London Now.
The council has signed off a £17.58 million scheme for 2026/27 aimed at improving roads, pavements, bridges and drainage systems across the borough.
With the programme approved by cabinet on March 25, Croydon Council described its highways network as its “most valuable asset”, valued at an estimated £2.15 billion, London Now reports, where further details of the investment can be read.
The extensive network encompasses 726km of roads and more than 1,200km of footways.
Funding breakdown
The approved programme includes £8.6 million dedicated to road and pavement maintenance.
Bridges and other structures will receive £5.12 million, while £435,000 has been allocated for flood and drainage works.
Additionally, £2.7 million has been secured from Department for Transport funding.
The year 2026/27 will see more than £17.5 million spent, with further investments planned for subsequent years.
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Types of works planned
The works will cover a range of activities, including full road resurfacing, patch repairs, preventative maintenance, flood prevention, and structural upgrades to bridges.
Roads set for resurfacing
A long list of roads across the borough has been marked for resurfacing.
These include Arkell Grove, Carolina Road, Cranbrook Road, Dunkeld Road, Eldon Avenue, Eldon Park, Elmside, Field End, Foxley Hill Road, Furze Road, Gladeside, Greenview Avenue, Hambrook Road, Hamilton Road, Heath Road, Holmewood Road, Lincoln Road, Norbury Road, Outram Road, Parchmore Road, Penrith Road, Speke Road, Tilford Avenue, Woodside Green, Mayfield Road, Waddon Way, and Chichester Road.
Some roads, such as Beckett Avenue, Manor Way, Old Lodge Lane, and The Waldrons, will receive preventative treatments.
Meanwhile, smaller-scale works are planned for routes including Beulah Hill, Central Hill, and Katharine Street.
Footway improvements
Several footways, including Biggin Wood Road, Coventry Road, Mayday Road, and Windmill Road, are also set for upgrades.
How roads were chosen
The council selected these roads based on a mix of condition surveys and inspection data, resident complaints and feedback, input from councillors and local groups, and AI technology and imaging systems.
Priority was given to roads near schools, hospitals, shopping areas, bus routes, and cycleways.
Shift to preventative approach
In a shift from short-term pothole repairs, the council is adopting a more “preventative” approach to extend the lifespan of roads and reduce long-term costs.
This will involve resurfacing entire sections where necessary and targeted patching in areas where damage is limited.
Engineers will also aim to incorporate sustainable drainage systems and “green infrastructure” where possible to minimise flooding and enhance air quality.
Flood prevention and bridges
The programme also targets flood-prone areas such as Foxley Lane, Central Hill, and Stanford Road with new drainage systems, soakaways, and water monitoring technology.
Bridge upgrades, including strengthening works and maintenance, are also planned for locations such as Jubilee Bridge and Pixton Way Footbridge.
What residents can expect
Residents will receive advance notifications of any road closures or disruptions, with letters sent to affected households.
The council has indicated that more roads could be added to the programme later in the year if additional funding becomes available or if inspections highlight urgent issues.
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