Navigating Icy Roads - The Grit of the Matter

DOI prepares for expected colder weather

In the face of chilling temperatures and potential icy road conditions over the next few days, the Department of Infrastructure is urging residents to understand the intricacies of road gritting and take proactive steps to ensure safety.

A social media post includes information about the number of salt bins around the Island and details about how gritting decisions are made.

Here's the lowdown on the information:

What is road grit, and how does it work? 

Road grit is a mixture of salt and sand spread on road surfaces to melt ice and provide traction. It works by lowering the freezing point of water, making it harder for ice to form.

Why is my road still icy? Can it get too cold for grit to work? 

While grit is effective, extremely low temperatures can diminish its efficacy. The DOI is prepared to grit roads if temperatures continue to fall. Residents are encouraged to report low salt levels in bins to ensure timely refills.

How is the treatment of the network prioritised? 

The treatment of road networks is prioritised based on factors like traffic volume, key bus routes, and access to vital facilities such as hospitals, fire stations, and schools. Information from the Met Office guides decisions on when and where to deploy gritters.

When is gritting carried out? 

Gritting is carried out when snow or ice is forecasted. Priority routes are treated after the evening rush hour or before the morning commute to prevent treacherous conditions. The DOI's emergency control room operates 24/7 during severe weather events to coordinate responses.

Taking Responsibility: 

Residents are encouraged to take responsibility for driveways and footpaths outside their properties and assist neighbours, especially the elderly, during icy conditions. The DOI maintains a network of about 1200 salt bins accessible to the public for local use.

Be Prepared: 

The DOI says, for those wanting to be proactive, salt is available for free at Local Amenity Sites. They also provide salt to other government departments and other authorities, with limited amounts available for private companies during severe weather.

They says as the Isle of Man braces for the impending cold spell, understanding the nuances of road gritting and community cooperation become crucial elements in ensuring safe navigation through winter conditions. 

For more information and updates, visit gov.im/gritting.