MoDOT prepares to tackle winter roads

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- With winter around the corner, the Missouri Department of Transportation is preparing for the inclement weather.

MoDOT held its annual statewide winter operations drill last month, giving snowplow operators the chance to drive their routes and prepare for snow and ice conditions this winter.

According to MoDOT, there are approximately 2,400 snowplow operators across the state involved in clearing the roads and bridges when winter weather hits.

MoDOT District Maintenance and Traffic Engineer, Adam Wood, said the department has been checking its equipment since October.

"We've actually been calibrating a lot of our salt spreaders, making sure that they're ready to go," he said. "We know that we're in that time of the season when a winter weather storm could approach at any time."

There are 3,000 MoDOT employees involved in winter weather operations. About 40% of its plow operators have three years of experience or less, and about 16% have one year or less.

Wood said, MoDOT provides a lot of training to ensure every operator is fully prepared for the winter.

"We do a lot of training opportunities throughout the district and throughout the state just to make sure everybody is up to speed and getting them in the equipment and doing test runs, having drills set up and in parking lots and things like that," he said.

MoDOT is separated into seven districts across the state. Within the Northwest district, there are 23 maintenance buildings. Wood said each building is responsible for a certain area.

"Within that area, they might have some employees focusing on certain roads, some majors or minors or different categories of roads," he said.

During snowstorms, motorists are able to view the department's traveler information map, which shares road conditions. The map shows when roads are fully covered with snow, partially covered or clear.

Wood also said the map will update throughout snowstorms and it's a great tool to have for the winter.

"Now is a great time to go to your app and make sure you know it's updated. You're seeing everything. Get prepared for that winter season," he said.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said it's important to give space to snow plows, Wood agrees.

"They're here to help you guys get the roads plowed and make things safe for the public," Wood said.

MoDOT partners with the National Weather Service when tracking major snowstorms. When a larger storm is anticipated, Wood said a lot of prepping is involved.

"Getting with the weather center, figuring out all the different possibilities we might see," he said. "Are we going to see snow, ice, freezing rain so that we can make the best decisions to treat the roads?"

Last year, MoDOT spent more than $64 million on winter operations.

Wood said the department will continue working to keep the roads safe, but asks the public to be aware of weather, road conditions and snow plows.