THE Department of Infrastructure received nearly 150 calls for help yesterday due to heavy snowfall across the Island.
Operations teams have been working around the clock to maintain the road network since Friday.
Five bulk gritters have concentrated on primary and secondary road routes and have been supported by smaller gritters.
This year, for the first time, teams were deployed to clear and salt footpaths near schools using small hand operated gritting units. Teams also salted strategic bus routes.
Staff have been out since 5am this morning with bulk gritters and teams will begin work on side roads and estates using towed units.
Jeff Robinson, operations director, said: "I would like to thank the operating teams for their relentless efforts over this weekend. Once again they have all put in a fantastic effort to keep the roads moving in very challenging conditions.
"Over the summer we have been reviewing our winter maintenance strategy following last year's prolonged cold period and increasing public expectations. Putting free salt in the Civic Amenity sites has proven to be very popular and as you drive around you can see where members of the public have been helping their neighbours.
"This together with the extra efforts that we have been directing towards schools and bus routes will, we hope, help the Island return to business as usual as quickly as possible.
"This year we took the precaution of placing early orders for two 800 tonne boat loads of salt so we should remain in a secure position for the rest of the winter even if this cold snap continues through December."
Richard Pearson, director of Highways, said "Whilst the department is making every effort to keep as many roads as possible open some remain closed.
"These are signed closed because the combination of ice, snow and gradients make them particularly dangerous even for four wheel drive vehicles.
"It is an offence to pass such signs but more importantly attempting to use these roads puts the driver and any vehicle occupants at risk and it also means that emergency service rescue teams are also put at risk if they attempt recovery. Therefore it is in everyone’s best interests to obey the signs please."
