DfI Winter service team ‘ready to act’ as temperatures set to plunge, says Kimmins

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has assured the public that Northern Ireland’s winter service teams are fully prepared as the first significant cold spell of the season approaches.

A Met Office yellow weather warning is in place from midnight tonight until 12pm tomorrow, with forecasters predicting wintry showers, icy patches, and the possibility of lying snow on higher ground.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) confirmed that extensive preparations have been completed in recent months to ensure a rapid response to deteriorating conditions.

Around 300 staff and 130 gritters are on standby to salt approximately 7,000 kilometres of main roads, helping to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently. A fleet of 12 specialist snow blowers is also ready for deployment if required.

‘Significant pre-planning’ ahead of winter

Minister Kimmins said:

“Prior to the start of each winter service season, my Department carries out a significant amount of pre-planning to ensure a state of readiness. Staffing arrangements have been finalised, pre-season checks on winter service equipment are now complete and salt stocks have been replenished.”

The Minister highlighted the scale and duration of the operation, which runs annually from October to April.

“Our winter service operation remains in place from October to April and every night up to 300 people will be on standby ready to salt around 7,000 kilometres of the main road network main roads helping drivers to cope with the wintry conditions.

“This year I have allocated funding of £7.3 million to ensure that my Department can deliver a full winter service programme to help keep our roads safe during snow and icy conditions. With temperatures set to dip this week and some disruption on our roads possible, staff are now being deployed as necessary.”

Northern Ireland currently has around 70,000 tonnes of salt in stock, with a further 5,850 salt bins and 52,300 grit piles available for public use on routes not included in the main salting schedule.

Which roads are salted?

The Department salts all main through-routes carrying more than 1,500 vehicles per day, covering about 28% of the road network and directly benefiting about 80% of road users. Roads with challenging gradients and traffic between 1,000 and 1,500 vehicles may also be included during severe conditions.

As in previous years, arrangements are in place to enlist contractors and local farmers to assist with snow clearing if significant accumulations occur.

‘We cannot guarantee ice-free roads’

Minister Kimmins urged motorists to exercise caution, particularly as the weather warning coincides with Road Safety Week.

She added:

“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.

“The current Met Office weather warning also 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.”

Further information

• Road condition updates: TrafficWatchNI - Home

• Advice on driving in adverse weather: nidirect - Driving Adverse Weather Conditions.