Conditions on the roads remain difficult in many areas and salting of roads on the scheduled network in areas most badly affected by snow and ice is ongoing and will continue as necessary through today and overnight.
All major routes remain passable, however some rural areas have seen greater snowfalls in particular eastern and southern counties and motorists should drive with caution and check the TrafficwatchNI website for latest updates.
Resources are currently focussed on road salting operations, however we will endeavour to restock salt bins and salt piles on public roads for community self-help as quickly as possible and when safe to do so.
Over the next 24 hours the weather is expected to be a wintery mix with further snow possible in northern and western regions and rain possible in southern and eastern regions. With already difficult driving conditions, road users should continue to exercise caution, consider their journey, leave extra time and follow advice in the Highway Code. Despite our best efforts we cannot guarantee ice free roads even after salting and rain can wash salt off the road and ice may form. Drivers should exercise caution and drive with care, increase their stopping distance and be prepared for changing conditions.
Multi-agency responders will meet again this morning and continue to monitor the weather, responding as necessary, and have emergency planning arrangements in place to deal with any further weather impacts.
We would also encourage the public to be extra vigilant of neighbours, particularly the elderly.
Information and advice, including about driving in adverse weather conditions, emergency numbers, school closures and public transport services can be found through this link: www.nidirect.gov.uk/snow-ice
Information about road conditions is available at: www.trafficwatchni.com
Notes to editors:
1. 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/