6 January 2009
‘Coldest weather in 10 years’ hits Bridgend County Borough
January 2009 may have barely begun, but Bridgend County Borough is experiencing some of its coldest weather in over a decade.
Between December and January, the council has spread more than 500 tonnes of salt on its network of main roads.
Now a further 500 tonnes has been ordered to replenish the authority’s stocks.
Said Councillor John Spanswick, Cabinet Member for Communities: “This is the coldest spell that we have experienced in more than 10 years.
“As a result, the council’s road salters have been deployed much more often than normal this early in the season.
“We are ensuring that the county borough’s main routes are thoroughly salted as well as certain side roads, footpaths and steep approaches, but it is essential for drivers take account of the conditions and ensure that they drive appropriately.”
Bridgend County Borough is divided into three geographical domains - coastal, inland low and inland high.
Specific forecasts for each of these areas are received from the Met Office and are assessed every day so any necessary salting work can be planned in advance. A number of ice sensors around the county borough are also monitored twenty four hours a day to keep a check on conditions.
The council uses four main line salters and has further back-up vehicles that it can call upon if needed. Crews of workers are on call throughout the night, and can quickly respond to changes in the weather.
If the forecast is particularly severe, the council will consult with neighbouring authorities and may temporarily close certain routes in the interests of public safety, such as the A4061 / A4107 Bwlch Mountain Road which has seen recent road surface temperatures fall as low as -9 degrees Celsius.
- Last Updated: 06/01/2009
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