Roads team is geared up to weather storm
TEAMS at Rochdale Borough Council are ready to hit the road to tackle ice, sleet, flooding and snow this winter.
Eight gritters are on standby, ready to help keep the borough’s main roads safe.
Right now at the council depot in Princess Street, Rochdale, there are more than 4,000 tonnes of salt ready for spreading.
The council is monitoring weather forecasts and road conditions, ready to work 24 hours a day, seven days a week when needed through to the middle of April 2021.
More than 200 miles of roads are salted during one round of complete gritting over 50 per cent of the total road network in the borough and there are more than 20 drivers on standby.
Weather is monitored alongside a computerised ice detection system, cameras and the council’s weather stations at Blackstone Edge, Middleton Road and new for 2020 Edenfield Road in Norden which records road and air temperatures as well as showing live roadside images.
The council uses automatic gritting technology which spreads exactly the amount of grit required.
Residents should also look out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours who may need extra help over the winter months.
You can help the council’s winter maintenance teams by making sure you leave enough room for gritters to get past when you park up.
Anyone who lives or has a business in an area which is prone to flooding can register with the Environment Agency for advance warnings of any flood danger.
Coun Neil Emmott, cabinet member for quality of place, said: “Winter is always a busy time for us, with unpredictable weather and high rural terrain to contend with, but the team is well prepared and ready to support the borough during the toughest of conditions.
“We successfully completed test runs a few weeks ago but we all need to do our bit by taking extra care in icy conditions and allowing extra time for journeys. Gritting is carried out to prevent the formation of ice on the road, however we can’t guarantee that every treated surface will be free of ice and as such it’s so important to make sure you drive to the road conditions and slow down. If conditions are poor, and journeys are not essential, consider waiting until the weather gets better.”
Coun Emmott also added that during the pandemic it’s even more important to look out for vulnerable neighbours this winter: “On top of the restrictions we are all faced with, poor weather will mean some residents face greater difficulties when carrying out every day basic tasks such as shopping, so an offer to help could make all the difference to someone who cannot get out on their own. Please consider how you can help with tasks such as essential shopping or picking up prescriptions and don’t underestimate how much of a difference you could make by making a phone call to have a quick chat.”
When temperatures drop and snow or icy conditions are forecast, gritting teams carry out precautionary gritting and snow clearing, with ploughs fitted to all vehicles when necessary. The council also has more than 500 salt bins around the borough in areas where particularly difficult conditions exist.