Cumberland Council highways crews have worked around the clock over the last week with a concerted effort over the weekend dealing with the impact of the recent heavy snow and ice in the county.
Crews responded to various different incidents, mainly in the south Cumberland area of Millom which saw cars being abandoned on routes in and out of the town.
Since Wednesday last week, crews have treated and ploughed 2530 miles, used 251 tonnes of salt, carried out 203 hours of continuous gritting travelling 3230 miles.
Thanks to the efforts of Cumberland Council highways crews, all priority routes are open, and they are making their way around some of the smaller side roads where conditions remain challenging. Teams are also supporting other partner agencies such as Electricity North West to gain access to areas where they have power outages. As of this morning only the following roads on high ground remain closed:
- Cold Fell – Kirkland to Calder Bridge
- Hardnott Pass - Gubbergill to Cockley Beck Road
- Honister Pass - from Seatoller Village
- Hardnott Pass – Duddon Bridge, Hall Dunnerdae Road
- Corney Fell - Broad Oak at Beckfoot
Schools in the Millom area took the decision to close today due to the treacherous conditions.
Road surface temperatures are now starting to get above zero even at some of the higher-level sites which will encourage a steady thaw of the lying snow, slower where it has been compacted into dumps etc by the sides of roads.
The main weather-related hazards for this week will be ice tomorrow night as temperatures will again dip below freezing widely across Cumbria. The Council’s gritting crews will again be out in force treating the priority road network but the advice is to remain vigilant, plan ahead and take extra caution when driving, including driving more slowly than usual.
Councillor Denise Rollo, Cumberland Council Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said:
“The drop in temperatures and difficult road conditions presents motorists with a number of issues that make drivers, cyclists and pedestrians more vulnerable. The council urges road users to plan ahead of their journey for delays and poor weather conditions, and supports the advice offered by motoring authorities such as the Institute of Advanced Motorists, RAC and Department for Transport. It is vital to ensure your vehicle is prepared for the winter and to be aware of slippery road surfaces as well as taking a supply of warm clothes and food on all journeys.
“Cumberland has some of the highest terrain and most challenging roads in the country. Our gritting team plays a vital role in keeping the county moving and are well prepared for whatever challenges the weather continues to bring this winter. It’s also very important that people exercise the same caution on treated routes as they do on non-treated roads - just because a road has been gritted doesn’t mean it is safe in sub-zero temperatures.
“Please remember to report any problem with the road network to our Highways Hotline at 0300 373 3736 or report it online at the Cumberland Council website.”
The cold weather and icy conditions also present challenges in our homes - it’s important to check on neighbours, friends, family and any vulnerable members of your local community to make sure they have everything they need, especially if they’re spending long periods indoors.
Here are some top tips to prepare for and stay safe during colder weather:
- Look out for friends and family who may be vulnerable to the cold and ensure they have access to warm food, drinks and are managing to heat their homes adequately
- Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18°C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long term illness or are 65 or over
- Stay tuned for weather forecasts, ensure you are stocked with food and medications in advance (have deliveries or ask a friend to help)
- Avoid exposing yourself to cold or icy outdoor conditions if you are at a higher risk of cold related illness or falls
- Discuss with friends and neighbours about clearing snow and ice from in front of your house and public walkways nearby, if unable to do so yourself
For more information visit www.cumberlandwinterready.org.uk and look out for #WinterReady updates via the council’s social media platforms.