A ten-tonne mountain of salt and hundreds of gallons of de-icer are on standby as part of the £1.72 million plan to keep the Granite City moving this winter.
More than 90 of the local authority’s roads staff will work through the coldest months of the year to keep Aberdeen’s 560 miles of roadway clear and safe.
Forecasters have predicted a particularly biter and frosty season this year.
So the 2,643 gallons of de-icer – 12,000 litres – which was “hardly touched” in last year’s wet winter could come in particularly handy.
The staff will have a fleet of new vehicles, including more than 40 gritters, and 900 grit bins will be placed around the city to help combat the weather.
Last night, council leader Jenny Laing vowed the roads crews were “ready for the worst” and that contingency plans were in place in case of a repeat of last year’s floods.
She said: “We hope it won’t be a severe winter this year but our staff and equipment are ready for winter and are as prepared as they can be.
“Our dedicated staff continue to deliver an effective service under all winter conditions, often going above and beyond their duty to help people.
“Aberdeen City Council wants to keep roads open and residents safe and we also want to help people to help themselves.
“The fact that almost half of the city’s roads are treated before 7.30am when most people are getting up and ready for their day ahead means key routes across the city have been treated before many travellers set out for work or school in the morning.”
Unite regional organiser Tommy Campbell represents many of the city’s road workers.
He said: “Credit should be given to our frontline road workers who take time away from their family and friends at this time of year to keep the roads safe and clear.
“They need to be given the tools to do the job, that’s why I welcome the council’s extra investment in new equipment.”
Community groups can apply for up to one tonne of salt by e-mailing winter@aberdeencity.gov.uk, or calling 03000 200292.
