Deployment of Highland Council crews to blocked Ross-shire road has knock-on impact across massive network; Diggers and ploughs used to get to 40 people trapped on A835 as snowblowers deployed
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THE efforts of Highland Council operatives helping to battle drifting snow which left some motorists stranded on the A835 in Ross-shire is having an impact on road gritting elsewhere.
Highland Council has been assisting the effort after they key route was hit by drifts of up to two metres.
BEAR Scotland teams operated throughout the night on the trunk route which cuts through a huge swathe of Ross-shire from Tore on the Black Isle to Ullapool.
Highland Council said this morning: " If your journey is absolutely essential, travel with great care, plan ahead and ensure your vehicle is well-equipped – consideration should be given to travelling with a snow shovel, extra clothing, blankets, food and a hot drink.
"Only essential travel is advised if you are in an area affected by wintry conditions."
Its morning roads report for Lochalsh and Ross and Cromarty West says that the A835, A832 and Bealach na Ba are all closed at various points.
Lower routes are wet with no issues.
It said: "Police declared a major incident overnight as around 40 people were trapped in their vehicles in the snow between the Braemore junction and Aultguish. Vehicles are still stuck, but BEAR (with Highland Council assistance) have been working to clear the road with JCBs and ploughs. They are trying to open the road from both ends. BEAR have mobilised snowblowers and other kit which should be on site imminently."
Elsewhere there's a mixed picture.
Ross and Cromarty East – Wet on low roads but up to three inches of wet snow on higher roads. Road temperatures around zero or slightly above with no sign of frost or ice. All roads being treated and bladed where needed.
Lochaber –Roads are wet, light snow covering on the highest route. All primary and secondary routes being treated.
Skye and Raasay – Snow affecting some of the higher parts of routes, in particular the A863 and A850. All other routes generally okay. Primary route treatment ongoing on A850 due to mechanical issues. Otherwise treatment ongoing on secondary routes where required.
Caithness – Low road surface temperatures and wintery showers, mainly damp roads with odd patches of slush or a light dusting of snow. Treating all routes as necessary.
Inverness – Covering of slush on low roads, two inches of snow cover on high roads and fresh snow drifting in strong wind, all routes to be gritted this morning, plus bladed where required.
Sutherland – Low ground mainly wet roads, high ground up 15cm of wet snow in places and 2ft- 4ft drifts, blowing on top of Struie hill all roads open and passable with care.
Nairn – Frost on lower roads, snow on higher routes with drifting of 30cm in places. B9007 Glenferness and A939 Dava remain closed due to snow and drifting snow. All resources deployed in treating roads.
Badenoch and Strathspey –One to 2cms snow on high routes, otherwise wet roads with some slush and icy patches. Roads being treated as necessary. Roads remain closed due to drifting snow at A393 Bridge of Brown, A939 Dava, B9007 Glenferness.
The council says drivers "must be aware that conditions can change rapidly and make their own assessment of conditions for travelling".
The UK Met Office currently has an amber weather warning in place for snow in much of the Highland region. Track any changes to this weather warning throughout the course of the day here: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/
Related: WATCH: Snowploughs tackle drifts
Drivers stranded on A835 as crews work around the clock
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