Transport for Buckinghamshire are getting the gritters out of summer retirement to tackle the effect of the prolonged hot temperatures on the roads.
Road surface
temperatures are much hotter than the ambient air temperature, and are now
regularly exceeding 50oc by mid-afternoon in places, causing some
road surfaces to soften. As bitumen bleeds through to the road surface it can
look very black and slick, particularly on roads that are subject to a high
level of turning and braking movements from traffic, or that do not get any
shade.
County Councillor Mark Shaw, Cabinet Member
for Transportation, commented:
“This is not a problem unique to
Buckinghamshire, roads are suffering all over the country at the moment as this
unbelievable weather persists! Look out for our gritters spreading sand and
dust over the roads in Bucks over the coming days and weeks, to absorb the
bitumen and help prevent deterioration of the road surface. My huge thanks go
to TfB teams working in sweltering temperatures to keep the roads safe. The
gritters will continue operating until the extreme hot weather conditions
subside, and road surfaces return to a more normal temperature.
Heat stops play...
Whilst there are not currently expected to be any long
term effects to the condition of the highway network, road users are asked – as
usual – to exercise care while travelling, including
taking care of their vehicles and themselves. While vehicle breakdowns are no
more likely in hot weather than any other time, the conditions would be very hot
and uncomfortable. Cars should be checked before longer journeys and motorists
should carry plenty of water to keep hydrated.
The County Council has issued advice to residents to combat health risks
from hot weather: wearing UV sunglasses, drinking plenty of cool drinks,
looking out for those with serious illnesses and never leaving anyone in a
closed, parked vehicle.
