Lancashire’s gritting teams are ready to tackle snow and icy roads this weekend as weather warnings are issued for the area
Lancashire: The county’s gritting crews are all set for some snowy weather this weekend. The Met Office has put out amber warnings for January 4 and 5, so the highway team is ready to keep things moving.
They’ve got 45 gritters on standby, ready to roll 24/7 if needed. This winter, they’ve added two new Unimogs to their fleet. These all-terrain vehicles are perfect for getting into tricky spots around Lancashire.
With a motorized plough that the driver can adjust from inside, these Unimogs can clear snow more efficiently. Plus, they can even use snowblowers if the situation calls for it.
Some roads are still closed or affected by recent flooding, but the team is working hard to reopen them as soon as they can. Safety is the priority, so some roads might stay closed for a bit longer.
County Councillor Rupert Swarbrick mentioned they’re doing their best to keep the roads clear. They’ll focus on the main routes, but it’s tough to treat every single road. He advised everyone to keep an eye on the weather and think about their travel plans.
The council believes their gritters can cover 1,500 miles of priority roads in about four hours, but that could take longer if the weather gets really bad. Residents are asked to park considerately to help the gritters get through.
They also reminded folks to use the salt and sand from the nearly 3,000 grit bins wisely, as those can only be refilled when there are resources available. Keeping the main routes clear is the top priority.
Mr. Swarbrick is hopeful that the snow won’t cause too much trouble. He’s also excited for the gritter drivers to finally use the new Unimogs in real snowy conditions.
Agricultural contractors are on standby to help with rural roads if needed, and local councils are ready to treat busy pavements. For more info on gritting in Lancashire, check out lancashire.gov.uk/winter.