Dundee City Council has announced the successful completion of works to construct a new salt barn, designed to reduce wastage and boost green energy.

The barn, at the council's Marchbanks depot, holds up to 5500 tonnes of road salt for use across the city's roads and pavement network, and this year for the first time two of its main cycle routes.

Completed in time for the worst winter storms, local contractor Kilmac provided the steel portal frame, supplied and erected precast concrete wall units, carried out groundworks and installed the roof-mounted photovoltaic panels system.

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Mark Flynn convener of Dundee City Council's city development committee said: "Protecting our winter maintenance stocks in this dual-purpose building not only means we can be more cost-effective, it is also now generating clean energy that contributes to charging the council's ever-expanding fleet of electric gritters and road sweepers.

"Safe active travel, as well as for vehicles, is key to keeping the city moving in the worst winters, and although we don't know what is around the corner, it is prudent to be adequately prepared."

This month sees the start of winter maintenance operations on 15km of the National Cycle Network (NCN) Routes 1 and 77 within Dundee City Council's boundaries.

A specialist gritting vehicle, narrow enough to tackle the limited width of the cycleway and fully electric, is being brought in specifically for the task. In addition, a pair of remote weather sensors have been installed at key points on the route to provide accurate condition updates.