A TOP GEAR CHALLENGE has inspired Bucks County Council (BCC) to take on the task of resurfacing a road in just 24 hours.

The mighty feat will take place along the 800- metre stretch of the A4146 Leighton Road, north of Aylesbury, on May 30. The BBC project showed TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson being critical of the time local authorities take to carry out such work. The programme also featured Clarkson and colleagues James May and Richard Hammond successfully completing a 1,100-tonne resurfacing job in just over 24 hours on a Warwickshire road to prove the TV show's point. Bucks County Council now hopes to go one better and take on an even bigger project by completing a 1,300 tonne road job. According to the council, it would normally take four nights using conventional road resurfacing methods.

However, in a bid to test engineers' skills, work on the A4146 will carry on non-stop until completion, which will take an estimated 24 hours.

Val Letheren, Buckinghamshire's Cabinet Member for Transportation, said: "We are always looking at ways of improving our service, and never shy away from a challenge, so when our engineers saw what Top Gear could do, they decided it was well worth putting to the test.

"It will mean less disruption to residents and motorists alike, and if it is the success we anticipate, this method will be repeated in other parts of the county."

More than 15,000 motorists use the stretch of road on a daily basis and the council hopes to save around £25,000 in costs.

Three contractors have been involved in the project.

The first team on site, Tripod Crest, will remove the old surface; second on the scene will be a surfacing crew from principal contractor Associated Asphalt, putting down base material followed by the top surface finish.

And finally, a team from Belstan will arrive to put in cats' eyes and white lines.

Meanwhile, residents are being informed of the work schedule by letter and diversions have been organised for the 24-hour closure period.

Mrs Lethren added: "This programme has been carefully thought out. It's been scheduled for the school half-term, when fewer cars are on the roads, and the noisiest work is scheduled to be completed by 3am. It's an incredibly innovative and exciting way of working."