As winter tightens its grip, Brussels is gearing up to combat the icy chill predicted to sweep across the capital next week.
Anticipating temperatures to plummet below 0°C, Brussels Mobility has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety of road users by initiating comprehensive gritting operations throughout the region.
The imminent cold front is forecasted to be ushered in by a depression originating from the British Isles, bringing with it ample precipitation.
In the eastern parts of Belgium, this precipitation will manifest as melting snow, creating potentially hazardous conditions for motorists and pedestrians alike.
By Wednesday, wintry showers are expected to intensify, with nighttime temperatures dipping to -2°C in the central regions, including Brussels.
In response to this forecast, Brussels Mobility, the road authority overseeing the capital’s thoroughfares, has announced the commencement of preventive spraying operations on the roads.
Preparations for these operations are set to kick off towards the end of the weekend or early next week, contingent on evolving weather patterns.
Elke Vandenbrandt, Brussels Minister for Mobility, underscored the overarching goal of these measures, stating, “Our aim is to guarantee the mobility and safety of all road users, even when weather conditions are very bad.”
In a bid to minimize the environmental impact, Brussels Mobility has shifted its approach to road salt delivery. The crucial material is now transported via waterway through the Port of Brussels, eschewing traditional road transport.
The road authority’s operational teams are on standby 24/7 to facilitate smooth traffic flow in the face of winter conditions.
Preemptive spraying, primarily conducted during nighttime hours, is closely coordinated with weather alerts to mitigate potential hazards.
Covering a vast network of roads, including main thoroughfares, major intersections, tunnels, and viaducts, Brussels Mobility possesses a salt stockpile of approximately 3,000 tonnes.
This quantity allows for the treatment of over 800 km of roads within 3.5 hours through 17 designated circuits.
Remarkably, the commitment to road safety extends beyond vehicular traffic. Brussels Mobility allocates 18 additional routes dedicated to clearing snow from cycle paths, actively promoting year-round cycling.
The network of dedicated routes is continuously expanding to accommodate new cycling infrastructure, supported by specialized salt and targeted machinery.
In line with modernization efforts, Brussels Mobility is upgrading its machinery to deliver more precise salt amounts, tailored to road or cycle path widths.
The administration also prioritizes ongoing staff training, ensuring that personnel are equipped to handle diverse weather conditions.
As Brussels braces for the wintry onslaught, these meticulous preparations underscore a dual commitment: safeguarding road users and fostering sustainable practices in the face of challenging weather conditions.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
