High Street in Criccieth forms part of the A497, a busy route running through the centre of the town and connecting Pwllheli and Porthmadog. The road serves a mix of local residents, businesses and visitors, carrying regular traffic from cars, buses and HGVs. Traffic volumes increase considerably during the busy tourist season, with over 10,000 vehicles using the route each day, placing significant demands on the carriageway and its junctions.
Prior to the works, the existing carriageway was severely deteriorated, with widespread potholing, rutting and deformation. Joint failures and aggregate loss were also evident, particularly around the junctions, where repeated braking, turning and heavier vehicle movements had contributed to increased surface deterioration. Given the volume and variety of traffic using the route, a durable resurfacing solution was required to improve the condition of the carriageway and provide long-term performance.
In March 2026, 3,000m² of Milepave Ultra™ was installed, alongside binder patching, over a four-day programme. The works were completed using a combination of temporary traffic lights and road closures to manage traffic through the town while allowing the resurfacing to be carried out safely and efficiently.
Milepave Ultra™ was selected for its enhanced strength and durability, making it particularly well suited to busy routes and junctions where the carriageway is subjected to repeated traffic stresses. Its polymer-modified binder (PMB) enhances resistance to deformation, rutting and wear, providing a robust surface capable of withstanding regular traffic and the repeated braking and turning forces experienced along the route. With two junctions within the resurfaced section, this additional strength was particularly important in helping to protect areas exposed to increased stresses. The completed works provide a durable, resilient surface designed to improve the long-term performance of the road, extend its service life and help reduce future maintenance requirements.