Road users to remain cautious while Roads staff continue storm clean up
Date published:
The Department for Infrastructure is advising road users to travel only if essential and to remain cautious and vigilant until all roads can be cleared of debris.
With work ongoing, more than 160 DfI staff and contractors have cleared debris from around 100 roads. While this continues, the Department is urging those who need to travel to take extra care and be aware that further tree falls are possible and that trees and debris on roads is likely until later tomorrow.
Monitoring of weather forecasts and water levels and tides has been ongoing and will continue until the weather warnings have elapsed.
The Department has received around 400 road related incident calls so far. All motorways are open and advisory speed limits have been removed. At present of 200 roads impacted, around 40 roads remain closed including the A2 Shore road Larne to Cushendall and Dark Hedges Road. Work is ongoing to clear the Hillsborough Road (Lagan Valley to Ravernet Road).
In Derry, Foyle Bridge remains closed to high sided vehicles and Peace Bridge is closed. Power outage has impacted signals at Tillysburn and Marine Highway, Carrick. The latest roads information is available at Trafficwatchni.
Level of tides and possibility of tidal surges is being closely monitored this evening, particularity along the east coast. Sandbags have been forward deployed in Newcastle and Newtownards and staff are ready to respond with additional sand bags if required.
All MOT test centres will be open tomorrow.
The Department has in place well established arrangements to manage impacts of severe weather. Following initial weather warnings issued last week, the Department has been working with local communities to encourage them to prepare for severe weather. Road gullies and drainage grills were checked and cleared to minimise any flood risk and sandbags were deployed to areas prone to flooding. The Department will continue to work with other response agencies and local government as part of the multi-agency response as repair and clean-up work begins.
If your journey is essential, reduce your speed, stay well behind the vehicle in front, remain focused and always wear your seatbelt.
Advice for road users in all adverse weather conditions can be found at nidirect - adverse weather leaflet.
More detailed information on keeping safe and useful contact numbers is available at nidirect - information and advice.
Notes to editors:
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or via email at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383.
- Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra