Despite 103 staff and 35 gritters on standby every night from now until April, there is no guarantee roads in the North Weat will be kept ice-free this winter, TransportNI has conceded.
With severe winter weather predicted, arrangements have been put in place to enlist the help of contractors and farmers, it has been revealed.
When ice or snow is forecast, gritters will be capable of salting the main network in just over three hours, a logistical exercise that costs around £26,000 each time it takes place.
Salt barns and stockpiles have been filled to maximum capacity in the Western Division which encompasses the council areas of Derry, Strabane, Magherafelt, Dungannon, Cookstown, Fermanagh and Omagh.
Speaking as he announced the start of TransportNI’s annual Winter Service operation, Conor Loughrey, Western Divisional Manager, said during periods of prolonged snow, all gritters would be fitted with snow ploughs and efforts directed to clearing snow from motorways and the trunk roads, before moving to other main roads and the busiest urban link roads.
He added: “The operation will continue until all roads are cleared, but this may take some time, even with all resources deployed.
“In very deep snow, TransportNI will use its snow blowers, the latest of which can shift 1,600 tonnes of snow an hour.”
Revealing arrangements were also in place to enlist the help of contractors, including farmers, to clear blocked roads, Mr Loughrey said TransportNI had also introduced “enhanced” communication arrangements and priority secondary salting to rural schools that were most affected by wintery weather conditions.
He added heavy snowfalls such as those experienced during recent winters highlighted the essential role farmers, agricultural contractors and other plant operators played in helping to clear the roads for the public.
Mr Loughrey added: “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, TransportNI is keen to bring in additional resources so that extra help can be called on, if and when it is needed.”
In relation to the gritting of main footpaths in council areas, Mr Loughrey said he was “very pleased” with the progress made in this area with all councils now working with TransportNI to deliver this service.
However, Mr Loughrey stressed even with the most careful and thorough planning, the use of special Met. Office forecasts and the latest ice prediction technology, Winter Service was “really a battle against the elements” and ice-free roads could be guaranteed.
He added: “Motorists have to play their part by taking extra care during wintry conditions.”
Mr Loughrey concluded: “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.”
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