Highways teams are ready to keep Cheshire East moving this winter

Cheshire East Council's Highways Team is ready for winter, with crews, gritters and emergency response teams prepared for whatever the weather brings over the coming months.

• Highways teams on standby 24/7 ready to respond to prolonged rainfall, storms, flooding, snow and ice.

• Crews will monitor weather and road conditions throughout the winter season.

• 21 gritters and more than 5,200 tonnes of salt available for winter operations.

• 17 gritting routes cover around 40 per cent of Cheshire East’s road network.

• Residents encouraged to plan ahead, drive to the conditions and park considerately. 

Cheshire East Council's highways team is ready for winter, with crews, gritters and emergency response teams prepared for whatever the weather brings over the coming months.

From prolonged rainfall, storms and flooding to sudden cold snaps, icy roads and snowfall, winter can present significant challenges for the borough’s highway network. Teams will monitor conditions throughout the season to help keep roads safe and communities connected.

As part of this wider winter response, 21 gritters and more than 5,200 tonnes of salt are available, with 17 pre-planned routes covering around 40 per cent of Cheshire East’s road network and prioritising key roads based on traffic levels, safety considerations and access to essential services.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, Cheshire East Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport, said:

“Winter can bring some of the most challenging weather conditions of the year. Our highways teams work throughout this period 24/7 to monitor conditions, make gritting decisions and respond quickly when the weather changes.

“Each morning, we review detailed information and road condition data to help us prepare and target our response where it is needed.

“When freezing conditions are forecast, road surface temperature data helps determine when gritting is needed. Much of this work is preventative, with routes treated before ice has the opportunity to form.

“While it isn’t practical to treat every road across Cheshire East, we focus our resources on routes that keep communities connected and provide access to schools, hospitals, workplaces and other essential services.”

Weather conditions can vary considerably across Cheshire East because of the borough’s geography. Higher ground around the Pennine fringe in the east can experience colder temperatures, snow and ice while conditions elsewhere on the low-lying Cheshire Plain in the south can be very different.

These local differences, together with factors including traffic levels, road safety and access to key services, are taken into account when planning and delivering winter treatments.

Residents are also being encouraged to park considerately during periods of winter weather. Vehicles parked on narrow roads can prevent gritters from accessing routes or treating them effectively. Leaving enough space for larger vehicles can make the difference between a road being treated or missed altogether.

Around 500 grit bins are also available across the borough to help residents treat localised icy conditions on public roads and pavements. Residents are reminded that grit from the bins should not be used on private driveways or other private property.

The council will continue to work closely with emergency services, the Environment Agency and other partner organisations to respond to severe weather and minimise disruption wherever possible.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith added:

“Responding to severe weather can place additional demands on our highways service at a time when, like many local authorities, we continue to face financial pressures. By targeting our resources where they will have the greatest impact, we can help keep the network safe while delivering the best value for residents.

“We would encourage people to plan ahead, allow extra time for journeys during poor weather and always drive according to the conditions.”

Find out more here:

gritting routes, grit bins and winter travel advice.

Residents can also keep up to date with gritting decisions and winter weather updates by following Cheshire East Council on Facebook:

@CECHighways on X and searching #CEHGrit

Pictured - Ridge Hill Sutton.