Roads winter readiness plans in place – Mallon

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced that the Department is ready for winter to keep traffic moving safely and freely on main roads throughout the months ahead.

Minister Mallon announces DfI is ready to keep traffic moving

Approximately 300 staff, 130 gritters and 12 specialist snow blowers are available to salt the 7,000 kilometres of the road network on the salting schedule.   

Minister Mallon said:

“We are all too well aware that winter brings with it much uncertainty in terms of the weather.  Staff are ready to be deployed as necessary and we have around 60,000 tonnes of salt in stock, should the weather impact on the main road network.”

The Department for Infrastructure salts the main through routes which carry more than 1,500 vehicles per day.  In exceptional circumstances, roads with difficult topography carrying between 1,000 and 1,500 vehicles daily will also be salted. 

The Minister added:

“In addition there are reserve stocks of around 20,000 tonnes of salt and I have also made provision for further supplies, at the rate of around 15,000 tonnes per month to be made available if required. Over 5,500 salt bins and 52,000 grit piles are also available for use by the public on a self-help basis on selected routes not included on the salting schedule.”  

As in previous years, arrangements are in place to enlist the help of private contractors and local farmers to assist in efforts to clear blocked roads. 

The Minister continued:

“My staff will do all that they can to keep the main roads open.  We all need to be mindful of the changing conditions during the winter months and adjust the way we drive, ride or cycle to ensure it is appropriate for the conditions. The best advice is in the Highway Code: slow down; take extra care even if roads have been salted; be prepared for road conditions changing over short distances and take care if overtaking a gritter.”

Regular updates and advice and guidance for road users is available at: Traffcwatchni.

Further advice on driving in adverse weather conditions is also available at: Driving in adverse weather conditions leaflet

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department for Infrastructure salts the main through routes which carry more than 1,500 vehicles per day.  In exceptional circumstances, roads with difficult topography carrying between 1,000 and 1,500 vehicles daily will also be salted.  This means that 28% of the road network will be salted serving approx. 80% of drivers the daily traffic flow across the North
2. More information is also available in the Winter Service information leaflet ‘Keeping Traffic on the Move During Winter’ available to download at:  DfI Roads - winter service information leaflet
3. Further information on Ice and snow on roads and a map of the salted network can be viewed at: Ice and snow on roads and streets
4. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
5. 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.
6. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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