West Northamptonshire Council orders gritting operation as frost threatens roads overnight
West Northamptonshire Council has ordered precautionary gritting across its treated highway network
Gritters will be out across West Northamptonshire tonight (Friday, November 13) as road surface temperatures are forecast to plunge to -3.3°C overnight.
West Northamptonshire Council has ordered precautionary gritting across its treated highway network, with crews scheduled to begin work at 6pm.
The decision follows a forecast warning of freezing road surfaces and the risk of hoar frost developing during a largely dry and clear night.
According to the council's winter service decision report, issued at 12.12pm today, road surface temperatures could fall to a minimum of -3.3°C between noon today and noon tomorrow (Saturday, November 14).
The forecast predicts dry conditions and sunshine during Friday afternoon, followed by lengthy clear spells overnight.
Although no rain or snow is expected, the falling temperatures could allow frost to form on road surfaces, potentially creating slippery conditions for motorists.
The council has instructed its highways contractor, Kier, to treat all precautionary gritting routes from 6pm, with salt being spread at a rate of seven grams per square metre.
The operation has deliberately been scheduled to avoid the worst of the evening rush-hour traffic.
The winter service report states: “Low RSTs on the highway network throughout this period, gritting action at 18.00hrs to miss peak traffic congestion, residual on the network to cover this period.”
The forecast has been given a high confidence rating, with the council's winter readiness system showing red, indicating road surface temperatures of 0.5°C or below.
Saturday morning is expected to remain dry, with sunny periods developing after the cold night.
The planned operation covers the council's precautionary gritting network rather than every road in West Northamptonshire.
No additional treatment of adverse weather routes or priority footways has been ordered at this stage.
Motorists travelling overnight or early on Saturday morning should be aware of the potential for frost, particularly on untreated roads and surfaces.
The council's winter service team will continue monitoring conditions as temperatures fall.