An amber warning of snow and ice for Northern Ireland from 3.00 pm today until 8.00 am tomorrow morning has been issued.
Salting of roads on the scheduled network is ongoing and will continue throughout the day and overnight. Most routes continue to be passable with care and snow ploughs have been deployed in some areas on high ground. Local farmers have been assisting in efforts to clear blocked roads and snow blowers remain available if necessary.
With more snow forecast and a cold night to come, road users should take time to consider any essential journeys today and tomorrow morning, plan the route and take extra care driving. Further disruption to public transport is also possible.
Multi agency responders have met again today and continue to monitor the weather, responding as necessary, and have emergency planning arrangements in place to deal with any further weather impacts.
Information and advice, including about driving in adverse weather conditions, emergency numbers, school closures and public transport services can be found on or through this link: www.nidirect.gov.uk/snow-ice.
Information about road conditions is available at www.trafficwatchni.com.
Please consider any essential journeys, plan your route and drive safely. Be mindful of vulnerable neighbours too.
The following numbers may be useful in case of emergency:
- Emergency services – 999 or 112
- Northern Ireland Electricity Networks – 03457 643 643
- NI Gas Emergency Service – 0800 002 001
- Northern Ireland Water Waterline – 03457 440 088
- Flooding Incident Line – 0300 2000 100
- Housing Executive – 03448 920 901
Notes to editors:
1. The Department for Infrastructure will have around 300 staff and 130 gritters available to salt main roads to keep traffic moving safely and freely. Twelve specialist snow blowers are also available to be deployed if required.
2. So far this year 43,000 tonnes of salt has been spread on our roads and a further 77,000 tonnes is stockpiled and ready for use. Five thousand salt bins and 50,000 grit piles provided on a self-help basis on routes not included on the salting schedule have also been replenished.
3. 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.
2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and view DfI's latest road safety TV ads at: www.sharetheroadtozero.com/tv/