Lincolnshire’s highways have been kept open and safe this week thanks to the tireless efforts of the county’s gritting teams. Amid one of the harshest cold snaps in recent years, Lincolnshire County Council’s fleet of gritters has delivered an extraordinary response, keeping roads across the county moving despite temperatures as low as –7°C.
Over the past week, the gritting teams have covered an incredible 29,892 miles, more than the distance around the Earth. In doing so, they’ve laid down 2,664 tonnes of specially mined salt, ensuring that residents, businesses, and emergency services can navigate the county safely.
Commitment to Lincolnshire’s Roads
Councillor Richard Davies, Executive Member for Highways, said:
“Maintaining our roads is one of the most important things we do as a council. Our gritting teams are a shining example of the council’s commitment to keeping Lincolnshire safe and moving, no matter the challenges. This week has been about going the extra mile—literally.”
This effort reflects Lincolnshire County Council’s broader priorities: invest in infrastructure and keep roads in top condition. Over the past year alone, the council has allocated an additional £10 million for road maintenance, building on its reputation as one of the highest-performing highway authorities in the country.
Innovation and Preparation
Darrell Redford, LCC’s gritting manager, highlighted the success of the county’s prediction systems and state-of-the-art technology:
“Our weather stations around the county allow us to predict the worst conditions and act early. Our teams were ready for the challenge this week, deploying grit at the right time and places. It’s a job that often goes unnoticed, but it makes a massive difference.”
The effort began even before the snow fell. Two pre-snow runs on Monday cost £40,000 and used 746 tonnes of salt to ensure road surfaces were ready. Once the snow arrived, the entire fleet of 43 gritters was deployed, supported by four reserve vehicles on standby to minimize disruption.
Delivering on Key Council Policies
This week’s extraordinary effort by the gritting team is another example of Lincolnshire County Council delivering on its promises to invest in rural infrastructure and protect communities. By keeping essential routes open, the council demonstrates its commitment to:
- Low Taxes, High Impact: Despite maintaining one of the lowest council tax rates in the country, Lincolnshire continues to prioritize essential services like highways.
- Resilient Communities: From investing in flood defences to tackling potholes and responding to extreme winter weather, Lincolnshire County Council ensures that its services meet the challenges of a large rural county.
- Supporting Local Economies: Reliable transport links are vital for the county’s economy, and keeping them open during adverse weather is a priority.
By the Numbers: Lincolnshire’s Gritting Achievements
- Miles Covered: 29,892
- Salt Spread: 2,664 tonnes
- Gritter Runs: 387
- Coldest Road Temperature: -7°C (A153 Cadwell Park)
Looking Ahead
With winter still in full swing, Lincolnshire County Council is prepared for whatever lies ahead. Its investment in highway maintenance, alongside careful financial planning, ensures that Lincolnshire residents and businesses can count on safe, reliable roads year-round.
For updates on road conditions and council services, visit www.lincolnshire.gov.uk.