Gritting teams working continuously to keep roads moving
Date Published : 13 January 2010
Gritting teams have been out and about on Walsall’s roads since midnight in a bid to keep the borough moving as the cold snap continues.
Snow starting falling in the borough early this morning and is predicted to continue until around midday.
Teams have been gritting continuously throughout the night and will continue going out this morning. Approximately 90 tonnes of grit has been used overnight.
Traffic on the ring road near the Littleton Street lights, heading away from the Arboretum island, is down to one lane this morning because of a burst water pipe. South Staffs Water have been repairing the burst since early morning.
Gritters have been struggling to access roads in Pheasey this morning because of several abandoned vehicles and motorists in this area are urged to take extra care.
Teams are also out hand gritting footpaths in the town centre and district centres for pedestrians.
Councillor Tom Ansell, Walsall Council cabinet member for transport, said: “Our teams have been working really hard during the night to ensure people were able to use the roads this morning but it is still vital that people take care and drive sensibly.
“We will be monitoring the weather conditions throughout the day and will be continuing to grit as appropriate.”
More than 250 miles of roads across Walsall are treated by Tarmac for the authority – more than 50 per cent of the road network.
Tarmac have also drafted in extra resources to check and refill more than 170 grit bins strategically located across the borough.
Drivers are reminded to take it steady on the roads and, in particular, untreated side roads.
Highways Code advice is for motorists to allow extra breaking distance in icy weather. Warm clothes, a drink, a shovel and food may also be a good idea to pack on journeys.
Walsall and Willenhall Markets cancelled at 7.30am this morning due to weather conditions.
