TransportNI Prepares For Winter Weather

TransportNI is preparing for its annual Winter Service operation to make Northern Ireland's roads ready for the colder weather.

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "Every night from now until the middle of April, we will have almost 300 staff and over 120 gritters on standby to ensure the main roads are salted, helping drivers to cope with wintry conditions."

TransportNI is currently holding stocks of almost 110,000 tonnes of salt in preparation, while the operation itself will involve salting about 7,000km of main roads in about three hours.

Arrangements are also in place to enlist the help of contractors, including farmers, to clear blocked roads. TransportNI has also introduced new arrangements and priority secondary salting to approximately 50 rural schools that are most affected by wintery weather conditions.

Danny Kennedy said: "Heavy snowfalls such as those we experienced in recent years, highlighted the essential role farmers, agricultural contractors and other plant operators played in helping to clear the roads for the public. During these events, many people voluntarily helped out and their assistance was greatly appreciated. With their help, many roads blocked by snow were cleared and able to be used by the emergency services, utilities and the public.

"While it is impossible to predict what this winter will bring, we are very keen to bring in additional resources so that we can call for extra help if and when it is needed."

Department for Regional Development, Eastern Divisional Manager Kevin Monaghan has advised motorists to take extra care while driving as winter approaches.

"Every night from now until the middle of April, we will have 56 staff available in Eastern Division to help salt main roads, helping drivers to cope with wintry conditions," he said.

"It is impossible to say with any certainty what this winter might bring, but after some of the severe weather conditions we have experienced in the last five years we have upgraded our fleet of vehicles, including the purchase of snow blowers that can shift more than 1,600 tonnes of snow in an hour. Our salt barns have also been filled to ensure we are ready to react to wintry weather.

"When ice or snow is forecast, we have 17 gritters available, which can salt the main network in just over three hours, a massive logistical exercise that costs around £14,000 each time it takes place."

In relation to the gritting of main footpaths in council areas, he added: "TransportNI will continue to provide salt bins and grit piles at strategic locations, for use on a self help basis to help prevent the formation of snow and ice on pavements and untreated roads - and will be continually replenishing these during the winter."

But, he said:"Even with the most careful and thorough planning, the use of special Met Office forecasts and the latest ice prediction technology, Winter Service is really a battle against the elements and ice-free roads cannot be guaranteed. Motorists have to play their part by taking extra care during wintry conditions. The best advice is in the Highway Code – drive with care even if roads have been salted, be prepared for road conditions changing over short distances and take care when overtaking gritters."

(IT/MH)