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22/11/2021
NI's Winter Services 'Ready For Action'
The Department for Infrastructure's winter service is ready to take action if the weather impacts NI's roads, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon.
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.
Launching the service from the Balloo site in Bangor Minister Mallon said: "Winter weather can be unpredictable and as the temperature are beginning to drop staff are ready to be deployed as necessary to help keep traffic moving safely and freely on our 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: "We currently have 55,000 tonnes of salt in stock in our barns and reserve stocks of around 20,000 tonnes of salt available. 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 5,600 salt bins and 63,000 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: "During wintry weather my staff work around the clock to keep the main roads open but we need to be mindful that conditions can rapidly change. We all have a responsibility to take care on the roads at all times 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."
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.
Launching the service from the Balloo site in Bangor Minister Mallon said: "Winter weather can be unpredictable and as the temperature are beginning to drop staff are ready to be deployed as necessary to help keep traffic moving safely and freely on our 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: "We currently have 55,000 tonnes of salt in stock in our barns and reserve stocks of around 20,000 tonnes of salt available. 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 5,600 salt bins and 63,000 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: "During wintry weather my staff work around the clock to keep the main roads open but we need to be mindful that conditions can rapidly change. We all have a responsibility to take care on the roads at all times 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."
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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.
27 October 2011
Only Major Roads To Get Winter Clearances
NI motorists are being warned to take extra care on winter roads - and while pedestrians are being supported with more town and city pavements set to be cleared this year - minor roads will again not be treated at all.
Only Major Roads To Get Winter Clearances
NI motorists are being warned to take extra care on winter roads - and while pedestrians are being supported with more town and city pavements set to be cleared this year - minor roads will again not be treated at all.
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.
09 December 2022
Winter Safety Service Ready Now Fully Operational
Northern Ireland's Winter Safety Service is fully operational and ready to keep people moving, the Department for Infrastructure has announced. Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are available to salt main roads to keep traffic moving safely and freely. Twelve specialist snow blowers are also available to be deployed if required.
Winter Safety Service Ready Now Fully Operational
Northern Ireland's Winter Safety Service is fully operational and ready to keep people moving, the Department for Infrastructure has announced. Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are available to salt main roads to keep traffic moving safely and freely. Twelve specialist snow blowers are also available to be deployed if required.
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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.
