Gritters deployed as road temperatures reach 50C
During prolonged hot weather the local authorities say some road surfaces can soften and become damaged - and the salt helps
Gritters have been sent out across Herefordshire and Worcestershire to spread crushed stone to protect roads from melting during the ongoing heatwave.
With temperatures exceeding 30°C for extended periods, road surfaces become susceptible to melting.
Worcestershire County Council has taken action by deploying gritters to treat roads showing signs of heat stress as the region is under a red weather warning.
Councillor Tom Wells, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Worcestershire County Council, explained the process.
"We know that gritters are something our residents associate with winter, snow and ice. During periods of extreme heat, however, gritting vehicles can also play an important role in protecting the highway network," Wells said.
"The vehicles spread a light dusting of crushed stone, rather than traditional salt, which helps absorb excess bitumen and reduces the risk of road surfaces melting by reflecting more of the sun's rays. Our teams are doing everything they can during this heatwave to keep the county's roads safe for motorists and help limit the damage that high temperatures can cause to road surfaces."
Worcestershire County Council's Actions
The council has adjusted its highways operations to prioritise safety for both the public and its workforce during the extreme heat. Most planned maintenance works will be temporarily paused during the hottest parts of the day. However, essential safety-critical activities, including urgent defect repairs and network safety works, will continue.
Certain scheduled inspection activities will also be temporarily suspended, allowing teams to focus on responding quickly to any heat-related issues on the network.
Residents are encouraged to report any road issues via the report it function on the council's website.