Under the current weather conditions, it is a major challenge to keep the roads passable. What started with snow and wintry precipitation expanded during the week with persistent snowfall and strong winds. This caused drifting snow and snowdrifts in some locations. Winter conditions of this magnitude in the province of Groningen last occurred in 2009 and 2010.
24 hours a day in action
The province monitors weather conditions 24 hours a day and takes action when necessary. Currently, all available equipment is being used to the maximum. This includes 22 gritters, 6 plough trucks, and 8 vehicles that can grit bicycle paths. The gritting operations are carried out from three bases in the province: Pekela, Overschild, and Groningen (Reitdiephaven).
Salt supply
By combining ploughing and gritting, we use salt as efficiently as possible. So far, there is sufficient salt in stock.
Priority map
The province continues to work towards good traffic flow and safety on the roads it is responsible for; you can find these routes on the route map.
In extreme conditions, important routes are prioritized. In case of heavy snowfall, ice, or salt shortages, we grit first in places with heavy traffic. For example, on roads where public transport must continue to run, near hospitals, and at connections to national roads. Bridges and viaducts, which freeze faster, also receive extra attention.
Orange code for the northern provinces
From Friday, January 9, 00:00, orange code applies in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, Drenthe, and the Wadden Islands due to snow combined with strong winds. This can cause snowdrifts. The strong wind will continue in the north of the country until Saturday morning. This may cause snow to keep drifting and snowdrifts to form.
For more information, see slipperiness control.