Winter Maintenance
During the winter months, the Council has the difficult job of keeping traffic flowing safely on the road network when it is affected by severe weather. Weather conditions are continually monitored and when snow or ice is likely to form, the Council carries out precautionary gritting on a selected network of main roads. In total 228 kms of adopted highway which comprises of the major routes, are routinely gritted. This equates to 52% of the total network, which compares favourably to the national average of 37%.
Weather forecasts are received daily from the Metrological Office from October to April, giving the estimated minimum temperatures. These forecasts are evaluated by Officers of the Operational Services Department and action taken as required. Officers can also inspect the roads throughout the Borough in the early hours of the morning to assess conditions.
The gritting operations are carried out by Torfaen’s Operational Services Department using a fleet of 8 large gritting vehicles plus 1 smaller truck mounted one used for narrower routes, based at Depots in Blaenavon and New Inn. Each gritter follows a prescribed treatment route and can be mobilised out at any time of the day or the night if required.
On minor roads, not on the gritting routes and footways, 580 grit bins are provided for self help by the public at known problem areas such as sharp bends or steep gradients. We are currently reviewing the position of all the grit bins and relocating those not used to other areas. Requests for new grit bins are considered on a priority basis as finance allows. The bins are routinely filled after periods of severe weather and as requested by the public.
In summary, the Council makes every effort to keep the main roads clear of snow and ice. However due to the uncertainty of the weather this is not always possible. Snow falling on lightly trafficked roads, such as occurs overnight, will settle even on treated roads. Also salt can be washed off by unexpected rain. Therefore road users are reminded to use due care and attention and adjust your speed and driving style when travelling in icy conditions in both treated and untreated roads.
A copy of the Winter Maintenance Plan will be available to downloaded here soon.