Council's Gritting Team Prepares for Winter

Cheshire West and Chester Council Gearing up for Gritting

As colder weather approaches, Cheshire West and Chester Council's Highways team is gearing up to ensure the road network remains safe and accessible during winter months.

The team, in partnership with maintenance contractor Colas, is prepared to tackle adverse weather conditions.
With a fleet of 16 gritting trucks, the council is set to treat 515 miles of roads using approximately 70 tonnes of rock salt for each gritting run. Primary routes, including A roads and those leading to hospitals, will be prioritised for gritting. In instances of prolonged bad weather, secondary routes may also be addressed as resources permit.

Gritting decisions are based on road surface temperatures rather than air temperature, ensuring effective treatment to prevent ice formation. The fleet operates around the clock, ready to respond to changing weather conditions.

This winter, the fleet will utilise Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), leading to significant reductions in carbon emissions. The council aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, contributing to broader environmental goals for the region. Additionally, salt bins are available in residential areas for public use during icy conditions.

Residents can stay informed about gritting operations through the council's website and social media channels.