Highway chiefs say they still plan to repair the road surface on Richmond Hill.

A 30mph speed limit was imposed on Richmond Hill in December, and the overtaking lane closed the following month, after a recently applied surface dressing came loose.

The restrictions were applied to prevent loose chippings causing damage to other vehicles.

Then in May the speed limit was raised to 40mph and the overtaking lane reopened when the Department of Infrastructure claimed the warmer weather had resulted in the surface becoming more stable.

Shortly afterwards, the speed limit was restored to 50mph.

At the time, the department said a long-term solution to the road surface issue was being assessed.

In a statement this week, the DoI’s highways division said: ’The surface at Richmond Hill is stable and safe for road users following the return to the 50mph limit.

’It is still the intention to carry out some remedial work, but the scope of that work and the timetable have yet to be determined.’

He added: ’A review of the situation at Richmond Hill is continuing and the DoI remains in discussion with the contractor.’

Contractor Colas laid the surface dressing during maintenance works carried out in August last year.

When problems started to emerge, the DoI said any repairs would have to wait until warmer weather.

Infrastructure Minister Ray Harmer said the cost of fixing the road should not fall on the taxpayer.