Gritter crews continue their efforts to keep the roads clear

OIC gritter crews have been out since before the crack of dawn working to keep the main priority 1 roads clear and passable as much of the county has woken to a thick blanket of hazardous snow and ice, with large drifts in areas.

This work will continue throughout the day as snow continues to fall. However, there are a few priority 1 routes that still require treatment so we would ask that you avoid if possible – Kirkwall - Houton - Brig o’ Waithe and St Margaret’s Hope – Burwick. We will get to them as soon as possible.

Drifting has become an issue in parts of the county with the type of powdery snow falling so if you must go out please be mindful that you may encounter some fairly large drifts, particularly on rural roads. Due to ongoing snow showers and roads filling in behind the gritters, crews are having to carry out several passes on some of the main priority routes in order to keep them open.

There are also JCBs being used at various locations to clear the drifts and widen the carriageways.

Some priority 2 routes have been ploughed and treated in Deerness, and we are working through those as and when we can.

We would again stress that while the majority of priority one routes that have been treated and are passable with care, we would urge folk to stay home unless travel is absolutely essential. By staying off the roads you are helping our crews in their work to clear and treat them.

Stay home and stay safe whenever possible.