Department for Infrastructure Winter Service Update
Date published:
Salting across the entire scheduled network was completed earlier this evening.
Due to the snow showers in the Northwest, further salting is currently underway in that area with snow ploughs fitted where appropriate. Overnight, all roads on the scheduled network considered to be at risk will be salted again. The Department’s winter service has around 300 staff and 130 gritters to salt main roads to keep traffic moving safely and freely. Twelve specialist snow blowers are also available to be deployed when required.
7,000 kilometres of the road network directly benefiting around 80% of road users is salted as part of this service. We have around 74,000 tonnes of salt in stock and in addition over 5,500 salt bins and 58,000 grit piles are also available for use by the public on a self-help basis on selected routes not included on the salting schedule. Despite our best efforts it is important to remember that we cannot guarantee ice free roads even after salting. Road-users should be mindful of the changing conditions and take care while travelling.
The best advice is in the Highway Code, take extra care even if roads have been salted, be prepared for road conditions changing over short distances and take care when overtaking gritters.
Notes to editors:
1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure