Hundreds of tons of salt have been spread on Drenthe’s roads in recent days. And that is a significant drain on salt reserves in municipalities. However, despite the heavy snowfall and slippery conditions in the coming days, they still expect to have enough salt to cope with the winter conditions. Provided new orders are delivered on time.
Gritters have been working overtime in recent days. The sprinkled salt goes through thousands of kilos at a time to keep the main roads and cycle paths passable. “In Assen we have 457 kilometers of roads and paths that we spread,” explains Janet Kuntkes, spokesperson for the municipality of Assen. “We spread an average of 570 kilos of salt per winter season.”
The weather conditions of last week significantly increased that average. “From January 3, 220,000 kilos of salt and 100,000 liters of brine have been spread,” says Kuntkes. Assen currently has approximately 250,000 kilos of salt in stock. The municipality expects to have enough for the coming days. “The supplier keeps replenishing the salt supply.”
Code orange will apply again in Drenthe from tonight. In many places, 5 to 10 centimeters of snow may fall. Sometimes even 15 centimeters. “In the coming days we will try with all our might to keep all main routes passable,” says Marc Slagter, spokesperson for the municipality of Emmen. “On Wednesday we had 600 tons of salt in stock at Area. Today another 300 tons will be delivered, and we have ordered another 300 tons. That gives an impression of how much salt we spread and deliver,” says Slagter.
The municipality expects to be able to make progress in the coming days, but, like other municipalities, it is dependent on deliveries. “We hope that the supply of salt will continue as usual.”
In the municipality of Borger-Odoorn, the road salt was rolled out in tonnes at a time last week. “We normally have 600 tons of salt in stock in storage. Yesterday we still had 75 tons left. In recent days, just over 460 tons have been released on the roads.”
According to Slagter, the amount of road salt is explained by the extensive area that must be kept passable. The municipality does not expect a lack of salt, says Slagter. “New freight is on its way. We do not expect any shortages in stock, because the supplier manages the stocks for us. Everything is strategically planned.”
The municipality of Midden-Drenthe is also expected to have enough salt in stock to keep the roads passable in the coming days. “We received a shipment on Wednesday afternoon and we also expect some deliveries for next weekend,” says Marja Brouwer, from the municipality of Midden-Drenthe.
Last week, 200 tons of salt was spread in Central Drenthe. “There are 80 to 90 tons of salt in the storage in Beilen. In Smilde 45.” It thaw on Thursday, but from last night the weather got worse. That is why we are spreading preventatively and employees are ready to do more if necessary.”
Central Drenthe is also still waiting for a delivery. “We have placed an order for 200 tons and hope to receive at least 50 tons before the weekend,” Brouwer explains.