Somerset’s 23 gritters are ready to head out as colder weather approaches, helping to keep traffic moving when ice and snow arrive.
Road temperatures across Somerset are now being checked every day so crews know when roads are likely to freeze and need gritting.
Gritting means spreading treated rock salt on roads to help stop ice and snow building up. Crews will usually head out when road temperatures are expected to drop below 1°C and ice or frost is likely.
Preparations have been taking place throughout the summer, with salt barns filled and depots prepared for winter. Farm contractors are also on standby to help clear roads if snow arrives.
The Council and its winter partner Kier Transportation Ltd are also using more detailed weather information to help decide which roads need gritting. This means crews can better target treatment where it is needed and avoid unnecessary gritter journeys.
Last winter, crews carried out 1,314 gritting runs across 60 days, travelling 211,101 kilometres across Somerset.
They used 5,249 tonnes of salt to help keep roads moving through the colder weather.
It’s not possible to treat every road in Somerset. The Council focuses on the main routes, including major roads, routes between larger communities and roads giving access to emergency services. A map showing which roads are gritted is available on the Council’s Gritting page.
The Council also works with parish and town councils to help communities prepare for wintry weather. Last winter, around 375 one-tonne bags of salt were delivered to villages, and the Council also runs a community snow warden scheme.
Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council’s Lead Member for Transport and Waste Services, said:
“Our crews work incredibly hard throughout the winter, often heading out late at night or early in the morning to help keep Somerset moving. I’d like to thank them, our partners at Kier and Somerset’s farmers for everything they do during the colder months.
“We’re ready for the winter ahead, but we’d ask everyone to take extra care when they’re out on the roads. Please plan ahead, allow extra time for your journey and drive according to the conditions.
“Even when a road has been gritted, ice can still form, particularly after heavy rain or when temperatures are very low. If you come across one of our gritters, please be patient and give the crew the space they need to do their job safely.”
If you’re heading out during winter weather, make sure your vehicle is ready for the conditions too. Advice is available on the Somerset Road Safety Adverse weather conditions page.
Daily gritting updates will be posted via @TravelSomerset on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook throughout the winter.
When do the gritters come out?
Crews usually grit roads when road temperatures are expected to fall below 1°C and ice or snow is likely. Gritters are sent out before ice forms, so crews will often be working during the evening or early morning.
If snow is forecast, the Council works with emergency services and other partners to clear roads as quickly as possible. Gritters can be fitted with snowploughs, and farmers and other snowplough operators can also be called on to help. Priority is given to the primary network, then secondary and minor networks are cleared as resources permit.
