UPDATE: As Storm Goretti approaches, authorities in Shropshire are launching a massive 1,200-mile salt-spreading mission to keep roads safe and clear. This critical operation is set to begin this evening, as adverse weather conditions are forecasted to hit the region.
Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council have mobilized their gritting teams, preparing vehicles humorously named Gritney Spears and Gritty Gritty Bang Bang for the task ahead. The councils are responding to previous criticisms over road treatments during past snow events and are committed to ensuring that the county remains accessible during this storm.
With 3,500 tonnes of salt on hand between the two councils, they are ready for action. Shropshire Council currently holds 1,500 tonnes of that supply, enough for 15 treatments, and has ordered additional salt to meet the demand. Telford & Wrekin Council invests around £500,000 each winter season on gritting, emphasizing the importance of preparation during icy conditions.
Lewis Elliot from the councils’ gritting team explained the meticulous planning involved in road treatment. “In addition to looking at forecasts and radars, we go out and inspect the network,” he stated. “We check surfaces, primarily on bridges and in car parks. It’s a lot more complex than simply looking at the weather forecasts from the Met Office.”
On a typical salting run, gritting teams deploy approximately 30 tonnes of salt at a rate of 10g per sqm to ensure roads are effectively treated. However, Elliot highlighted that grit alone may not suffice; vehicle traffic is essential for properly embedding the salt into the road surface.
As the storm begins to impact the region later today, residents are urged to stay informed about road conditions and take necessary precautions. The councils are working diligently to keep roads safe but remind drivers to exercise caution and be prepared for potentially hazardous conditions.
This ongoing situation will be closely monitored, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available. Stay tuned for further developments on Storm Goretti’s impact in Shropshire.
