URGENT UPDATE: As Storm Goretti approaches Shropshire this evening, local councils are mobilizing resources for a critical 1,200-mile gritting mission to keep roads safe amid predicted snowfall. With 3,500 tonnes of salt in reserve, authorities are ready to tackle adverse weather conditions that could severely impact travel.
In a proactive response to criticism from earlier winter storms, Shropshire Council and Telford & Wrekin Council have confirmed their operations and readiness for the impending storm. Following complaints regarding untreated roads after the New Year’s snowfall, both councils are now committed to ensuring effective gritting across the region.
With 1,500 tonnes of salt at Shropshire Council and additional supplies on order, officials are taking no chances. Telford & Wrekin Council invests approximately £500,000 each winter season to maintain road safety, underscoring the importance of their gritting efforts.
Lewis Elliot from the councils’ gritting team elaborated on the complexities of the operation. “In addition to looking at forecasts and radars, we go out and inspect the network,” Elliot explained. “It’s a lot more complex than simply looking at the weather forecasts from the Met Office.”
The council’s strategy includes a routine salting run, deploying trucks that spread around 10 grams per square meter, equating to roughly 30 tonnes of salt per mission. Elliot emphasized that grit alone is not sufficient; vehicle traffic is essential to effectively embed the salt into the road surface.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed and prepared as the storm develops. Councils have urged the public to drive cautiously and stay updated on road conditions through official channels. With the winter season still underway, this latest storm serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety and community preparedness.
Officials are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as needed. Stay tuned for the latest developments on Storm Goretti and its impact on Shropshire’s roadways.
