Slipperiness in winter: this is what the municipality is doing

In winter, frost, snow or sleet cause slipperiness on roads and sidewalks. The municipality grits then to keep the main roads safe.

Which roads does the municipality grit? 

The municipality grits on main roads, roads to residential areas, industrial areas, bicycle paths and bus routes. These constitute the major gritting routes. The Maps below show the major gritting routes.  

Spreading routes Kerkrade - main routes

Spreading routes Kerkrade - bicycle paths

The other streets the municipality grits only when necessary. We do this during office hours.

Neighborhood teams grit by hand on bridges, at bus stops, stairs and public buildings. They usually do this during business hours. In dangerous places, the municipality places salt bins. You may use these in emergencies, but not for private use.

Municipality grits before it gets slippery

As soon as the KNMI predicts smoothness, the municipality immediately begins preventive gritting on important routes. We do this to prevent slipperiness as much as possible. We use a mixture of salt and water. That is why you sometimes see gritting lorries driving while it is not yet slippery. 

The municipality gritters when it is slippery

Does it still get slippery despite preventive gritting? Then the municipality grits the important roads again. If there is a lot of snow, we also use snow plows on the gritting vehicles to clear the roads of snow as best we can.

What can you do yourself against slipperiness? 

The municipality cannot grit everywhere at once. So we could really use your help. You help by making your sidewalk or driveway snow-free. And by helping neighbors who can't do it themselves.

Questions? 

If so, call 14 045 and ask for the coordinator of ice control from District Management.