As predicted, we have had heavy snowfall right across the county from the early hours of this morning.
Highways teams were out twice yesterday and again overnight salting in advance of the snow, and have been out salting and ploughing continuously on the Priority 1 routes this morning. Community routes were treated yesterday, and again this morning and the smaller salting vehicles used for these have since been deployed at local trouble spots as necessary. Farmers with snow ploughs have also been deployed and we have extra resources from our framework contractors.
While the roads are clearer now, we have experienced much lighter traffic volumes than usual during the morning rush hour, partly due to the extensive school closures, and with less vehicles on the road it is taking much longer to fully activate the salt. This is causing some problems with continued heavy snow falling across the County With temperatures struggling to get above freezing, and lots of snow and slush still on roads and footways, particularly on the untreated network, all drivers and pedestrians are advised to exercise extreme caution. Drivers in particular should ensure they are leaving safe distances from other vehicles, and driving in a manner appropriate for the conditions.
There have been significant problems around the Whiteley motorway junction today, as a result of a jack knifed lorry – we opened the Yew Tree Drive bus link to all traffic, and cleared the problem. Things are now running okay again here. Other roads particularly affected this morning are:
Providence Hill on the A27
A3 South of Petersfield
A27 Titchfield to Windhover roundabout
A27 Park Gate
Andover Ring Road
A272/A31 Percy Hobbs roundabout
A343 Hurstbourne Hill
A339 South of Basingstoke
A32 Droxford to Fareham
A336 Commercial Road, Totton
A35 west of Lyndhurst – now clear
A3090 Ower to Romsey
B3055 Bashley Crossroads
A35 Colbury Hill
A35/A337 Lyndhurst High Street
A27 Romsey to Sherfield English
B2177 Southwick Hill towards QA hospital
C9 Morestead Road
B3385 Newgate Lane flyover
M27 junction 8 link to Windhover roundabout
Leigh Road, Eastleigh towards Chandlers Ford

Many town centres have also been affected
The following Household Waste Recycling Centres are currently closed: Andover, Bishops Waltham, Casbrook, Efford, Gosport, Hayling Island, Paulsgrove (PCC), Petersfield, Segensworth, Somerley, Waterlooville, and the following local authorities have suspended waste collections; Eastleigh Borough Council, New Forest District Council, Havant Borough Council, Gosport Borough Council, Fareham Borough Council and Southampton City Council.
Up to date information on all Hampshire County Council services is available at www.hants.gov.uk

   Leave a comment