On the road with the Hesperange gritting service

Equipped with a tractor, a large lorry, and a smaller vehicle, known as a "Ladog," the team has been tirelessly working since the previous night to ensure the roads remain navigable.

Our colleagues from RTL Radio joined the gritting service on Wednesday morning, experiencing both the challenges of a round trip in the gritting lorry and gaining insights from Franck Siebenbour, the municipal manager, at the Hesperange municipal workshop in Fentange, where lorries are loaded with salt.

Siebenbour shared details on the preparations for such exceptional days, stating, "Today is undoubtedly an uncharacteristic day. The red alert came in the late afternoon. Accordingly, we have set up a command post at our fire station. Various installations are adjusted, a hotline is established, emails are processed, and our reception is informed. Additionally, machines are checked the day before, and in the morning, roads are re-evaluated."

Dan Thommes, a veteran gritting vehicle driver with five years of experience, emphasised the role of experience in determining the amount of salt to be spread. Given the red alert on Wednesday, an emergency status, a higher quantity of salt — 20 to 30 grammes per square metre — will be dispersed. The gritting services are committed to continuous operations throughout the morning, excluding national roads, which fall under the jurisdiction of the Bridges and Roads Authority.

To enhance salt adherence, a mixture of salt and brine is applied. Thommes noted that, in principle, the roads remain clear for one to two hours after gritting.

© Anne Wolff

How does the service decide when to grit?

Thommes starts his winter mornings with a strategic assessment of potential slippery areas within the municipality. If identified, the gritting service is mobilised; otherwise, operations are temporarily on hold. Thommes specialises in navigating steep inclines inaccessible to the larger lorries, prioritising routes used by buses. "If the Bridges and Roads Authority faces challenges on national roads, we also take care of them, it's not like we say 'No, we won't do that.'"

Executing his round trips requires skill, at one point he has to manoeuvre the vehicle backwards up a particularly narrow alley. Thommes notes occasional minor incidents, such as mirror collisions, which are promptly addressed by a dedicated municipal service. Despite occasional challenges, his overall experience is generally smooth, with the only frustration being stressed drivers overtaking the gritting lorry at high speeds on slippery roads.

On Wednesday alone, Thommes distributed approximately 1.5 tonnes of salt during his round trip.

Up to 15 tonnes of salt required

Franck Siebenbour, overseeing the operation from his office, coordinates the fleet using radio communication and a map. He remains in contact with a command post at the fire brigade, equipped with a hotline and email services for emergencies.

Siebenbour estimates that, on a day like Wednesday, the three vehicles collectively consume up to 15 tonnes of salt. Over a season, the municipality uses a substantial 150 tonnes of salt, with 400 tonnes in stock. Apart from vehicles, ground crews ensure pavements are kept clear. Although this is technically the responsibility of private individuals, few take on this task. Thommes concludes his shift around midday, ensuring continuous service into the night through scheduled relief rotations.