County Council Start Winter Road Preparations

The County Council has started their preparations for the winter roads by stocking up with salt, boosting the levels already held within the county.

Twenty thousand tonnes of salt has arrived by ship from Egypt and will double the county’s stock of salt to around 42,000 tonnes.  By purchasing the salt now the council has taken advantage of lower prices than they would have to pay to bring salt in during the winter period.

The council have stated that the amount they have now in stock should be sufficient to provide coverage across the area comfortably.  A typical winter would demand the use of around 18,000 tonnes, spread by 43 gritters along 3,000 kilometres of priority roads.  Current predictions for the coming winter suggest this winter will not be as severe as the last.

Last year, the council spread approximately 32,000 tonnes of salt on the roads.  However, there were still major problems around the county with access – not only on untreated side roads, but also on main roads.  The main A16 that runs through the Spilsby area was badly hit by ice with many vehicles dangerously losing traction and grip despite being salted by the council.  This was due to the reduced effectiveness of salt at temperatures below -7 degrees C, where traditional grit may have provided better grip.

Many people from the area chose not to venture too far for a number of days due to the situation on the roads, most schools remained shut for numerous days, and there were reports of treacherous footpaths throughout the area.

Extra salt had to be ordered last year to cope with the prolonged severe weather, with gritting lorries reducing their normal spread loads to ensure that the salt that remained lasted until reinforcement arrived.

Lincolnshire County Council’s Executive Member for Highways and Transportation, Councillor William Webb, said: “It may be sunny outside, but we’re getting ready for winter now. It makes sense to boost our salt stock levels at this time of year to take advantage of lower prices, getting better value for Lincolnshire taxpayers.

“The salt comes all the way from Egypt and is some of the purest in world. It is extremely fine, so we need less of it because it cuts through ice more quickly. Quite simply, it’s perfect to use on our roads and helps keep the county moving in freezing conditions.”