Essex Highways wraps up winter service

A gritting lorry with its lights on, driving out of a large domed salt barn structure.

Essex Highways is wrapping up its winter service following the wettest recorded winter in 130 years. 

High levels of rainfall brought challenges such as frozen conditions and icy roads. 

This winter crews have:

  • carried out 80 gritting runs, spreading salt to melt away ice and stop it from forming hazards
  • used over 10,000 tonnes of salt to keep roads ice-free and safe
  • gritted approximately 40% of the total road network in Essex, over 2,000 miles
  • deployed 55 gritting lorries, including 10 new ones, along with two mini gritters 
  • covered the 51 gritter routes, ensuring critical routes remained safe and accessible

The county’s gritters will return for the 2024/25 winter season later this year. This starts in late October when temperatures begin to cool.

Essex Highways is now preparing for spring and summer to focus on the re-surfacing season. 

Find out more about Essex Highways' winter service.

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