Today’s wintry showers have caused travel disruption in some parts of the county this afternoon and conditions are expected to remain difficult tomorrow morning (Thursday 9 January) with a risk of ice.
Gritters have continued to treat routes from around midday today as some areas, including Telegraph Hill, Whiddon Down and Dartmoor have seen significant amounts of snow.
Traffic on Telegraph Hill (A380) was at a standstill before the peak travel time this afternoon. With the A380/A38 closed southbound and westbound at Splatford Split as well as the A380 being closed northbound, we are working with National Highways and Police to target extra resources in this area.
Ploughs have been fitted to gritters to clear the worst affected areas of the county. They’ll be working around the clock tonight, heading out again on all main gritting routes around 7pm, with additional treatments at 3am.
Road surface temperatures are plummeting further tonight, with some areas almost reaching -5C, and the prolonged freeze this evening and into tomorrow morning will leave icy patches.
Secondary gritting routes across the county will be treated tomorrow morning.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:
“There has been significant and sustained snowfall on areas of higher ground and widespread areas of the county have seen snow and sleet. With road surface temperatures staying low today and expected to remain below freezing beyond tomorrow morning’s peak travel time, there will be a risk of ice if you’re out and about tonight and in the morning.
“Untreated routes could be particularly treacherous, but please remember that ice can form even on treated routes. Our gritter drivers are working extremely hard. They’re doing everything possible to keep routes clear and help keep Devon moving. If your journey tomorrow morning is essential, please allow extra travel time, drive according to the conditions and take extra care.”
Please remember the following advice:
- Never assume a road has been salted. Remember that showers or rain will wash salt off roads leaving them prone to ice, and in extreme cold even salting will not stop ice from forming;
- Allow additional time for your journey;
- Reduce your speed and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front;
- Drive with care and according to the conditions;
- If you have vulnerable or elderly neighbours, think about how they could possibly be helped through the cold spell;
- Try to maintain indoor temperatures to at least 18C, particularly if you are not mobile, have long-term illness or are 65 or over. The NHS website has more information on staying healthy during cold weather;
- Listen to local radio for updates on current weather conditions.
For information on any school closures please visit https://www.devon.gov.uk/schools/closure/
More travel information and advice is available on our winter travel webpages or for updates follow @DevonAlert on X (Twitter) and Facebook.