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20/11/2024
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 £3.1 million from the October monitoring round. Additionally, £1 million has been allocated for gully emptying to mitigate the potential impact of severe weather.
Minister O'Dowd emphasised the importance of keeping roads safe and accessible, particularly during periods of freezing temperatures and icy conditions.
Minister O'Dowd said: "We currently have around 74,000 tonnes of salt in stock and in addition over 5,750 salt bins and 72,500 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 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.
Continuing Minister O'Dowd said: "During wintry weather my staff work round the clock to grit the roads and keep traffic moving but despite our best efforts it is important to remember that we cannot guarantee ice free roads even after salting. This cold snap coincides with Road Safety Week and is a timely reminder that 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."
Information about road conditions is available at: Trafficwatchni
Information and advice, including about driving in adverse weather conditions, can be found at: nidirect - Driving Adverse Weather Conditions
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 £3.1 million from the October monitoring round. Additionally, £1 million has been allocated for gully emptying to mitigate the potential impact of severe weather.
Minister O'Dowd emphasised the importance of keeping roads safe and accessible, particularly during periods of freezing temperatures and icy conditions.
Minister O'Dowd said: "We currently have around 74,000 tonnes of salt in stock and in addition over 5,750 salt bins and 72,500 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 contractors and local farmers to assist in efforts to clear blocked roads in the event of significant snow.
Continuing Minister O'Dowd said: "During wintry weather my staff work round the clock to grit the roads and keep traffic moving but despite our best efforts it is important to remember that we cannot guarantee ice free roads even after salting. This cold snap coincides with Road Safety Week and is a timely reminder that 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."
Information about road conditions is available at: Trafficwatchni
Information and advice, including about driving in adverse weather conditions, can be found at: nidirect - Driving Adverse Weather Conditions
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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.
22 November 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.
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.
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.
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.
11 November 2013
Winter Roads Service Launched
Regional Development Minster Danny Kennedy is calling on all drivers to be prepared for the challenges of winter driving. The announcement follows the launch of the Winter Service programme to facilitate safe driving across Northern Ireland over the coming months.
Winter Roads Service Launched
Regional Development Minster Danny Kennedy is calling on all drivers to be prepared for the challenges of winter driving. The announcement follows the launch of the Winter Service programme to facilitate safe driving across Northern Ireland over the coming months.
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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.
