Winter service team ready for snow and ice
Date published:
The Department for Infrastructure’s winter safety service is fully operational and ready to keep people moving on our roads following a warning for snow and ice.
Around 300 staff and 130 gritters will be available to salt main roads to keep traffic moving safely and freely. Twelve specialist snow blowers are also available to be deployed if required.
John Irvine, Head of Network Services, Department for Infrastructure, said: “Every year our winter service operation remains in place from November to April to ensure 7,000 kilometres of the road network on the salting schedule remains open. With a warning for snow and ice currently in place and some disruption on our roads likely, the Department’s winter service team will be working today and through the night if necessary.
“So far this year 43,000 tonnes of salt has been spread on our roads and a further 77,000 tonnes is stockpiled and ready for use. Five thousand salt bins and 50,000 grit piles provided on a self-help basis on routes not included on the salting schedule have also been replenished.”
The Department is advising the public to consider their travel arrangements over the next few days and be aware of weather updates. Motorists should exercise caution and drive with due care and attention in the more challenging conditions that snow and ice can bring.
John Irvine continued: “Despite our best efforts it is important to remember that we cannot guarantee ice free roads even after salting, as showers can wash salt off the road and ice may form. We all need to be mindful of the changing conditions 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, take extra care even if roads have been salted, be prepared for road conditions changing over short distances and take care when overtaking gritters.”
Multi agency responders met earlier today and are continuing to monitor the weather and have emergency planning arrangements in place to deal with any weather impacts.
Information about road conditions is available at www.trafficwatchni.gov.uk
Information and advice, including about driving in adverse weather conditions, can be found at: www.nidirect.gov.uk/snow-ice
Notes to editors:
1. As part of the winter service, the Department 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, directly benefiting around 80% of road users. As in previous years, arrangements are in place to enlist the help of contractors and local farmers to assist in efforts to clear blocked roads in the event of significant snow.
2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and view DfI's latest road safety TV ads at: www.sharetheroadtozero.com/tv/