What plans have the Welsh Government put into place to mitigate the travel disruption in north Wales due to poor weather over the winter months?
Welsh Government are working with our Trunk Road Agents and the 22 local authorities during the Winter period to help ensure that the road network is available as far as practicable.
The long term forecast is mild and wet, with cold snaps on occasions bringing snow especially on higher ground. Our salt barns have been restocked accordingly.
We will continue to monitor and work together as we have over the years to react to any changes with the forecast. We will also communicate any adverse weather events on the strategic road network using our adverse weather plan messages via roadside signs and social media.
Transport for Wales (TfW) have winter management plans in place for their train fleet and staff. These include ensuring that key parts are available at a number of locations across the network, enhanced maintenance and cleaning regimes and additional time/provision for drivers to carry out “defrosting” procedures. TfW will also make use of their Road Transport support contract to assist rail services in the event of any cold season incidents.
Network Rail have their “Winter Key Route Strategy for Wales Route” in place alongside long established working arrangements for staff which outline information about forecasting (such as OLE icing, frost alerts, snow alerts), management of infrastructure (such as points and mechanical signals), response to ice risk in tunnels and management of snow events.