Menu
19/11/2014
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)
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
19 November 2024
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
Minister Announces Funding For Winter Road Maintenance
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has announced additional funding to improve road safety during the winter months and address waste-water infrastructure challenges.
20 November 2024
Roads Service Ready For Winter Weather
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has confirmed that the Department's winter service team is prepared to tackle the current cold snap. Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are ready to salt main roads, while 12 snow blowers are available for deployment if necessary. To ensure a comprehensive winter service, the Department has allocated £3.
Roads Service Ready For Winter Weather
Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd has confirmed that the Department's winter service team is prepared to tackle the current cold snap. Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are ready to salt main roads, while 12 snow blowers are available for deployment if necessary. To ensure a comprehensive winter service, the Department has allocated £3.
16 December 2010
Winter Wonderland To Return
As national weather forecasters said that the North and West of the UK would be worst hit by another spell of freezing temperatures - snow showers are expected to return to NI later today. With several centimetres of snow predicted to fall in some places, forecasters said the renewed Arctic blast could last into the middle of next week.
Winter Wonderland To Return
As national weather forecasters said that the North and West of the UK would be worst hit by another spell of freezing temperatures - snow showers are expected to return to NI later today. With several centimetres of snow predicted to fall in some places, forecasters said the renewed Arctic blast could last into the middle of next week.
26 January 2004
Roads Service prepared to deal with snowfalls
Prepared to deal with heavy snowfalls, the DRD Roads Service in Northern Ireland have been on special alert since Sunday, following an advanced warning of possible snow from the Meteorological Office.
Roads Service prepared to deal with snowfalls
Prepared to deal with heavy snowfalls, the DRD Roads Service in Northern Ireland have been on special alert since Sunday, following an advanced warning of possible snow from the Meteorological Office.
04 November 2004
Extra roads service staff on standby for winter months
The DRD Roads Service has confirmed that it will have 160 staff on standby between now and next March to combat any possible road disruption during the winter months.
Extra roads service staff on standby for winter months
The DRD Roads Service has confirmed that it will have 160 staff on standby between now and next March to combat any possible road disruption during the winter months.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
