(KLZA)-- JEFFERSON CITY - Snow is not in the local forecast yet, but the Missouri Department of Transportation wants to be ready when winter weather is here. To prepare, MoDOT will test its readiness for the upcoming winter season with a statewide drill on Nov. 5.
The drill tests MoDOT's winter battle plan to ensure its readiness to get travelers back on Missouri roadways as quickly as possible after winter storms.
"Over 3,500 MoDOT employees are involved in our winter operations, including every maintenance crew across the state," said State Maintenance Engineer Beth Wright. "The annual drill helps to make sure we all know our roles during a storm, and we can do our jobs successfully."
During the drill, MoDOT employees will react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department's emergency operations centers will activate and maintenance employees will be deployed to their trucks.
"One of the most valuable parts of the drill is to measure our snowplow circuits by driving routes we may have modified since the previous winter season. As we open new roads and lanes we must modify our snow removal plans." said Wright. "It also allows our newest snow fighters one last opportunity to drive a snowplow over some of their proposed routes so they are aware of obstacles and obstructions that might be hidden in a storm by snow or ice such as curbs and raised islands."
Motorists may notice increased numbers of MoDOT vehicles on state routes during the drill. In rural areas, crews will deploy after 8 a.m. In urban areas, the drill will not begin until after 9 a.m. Wright estimates that the exercise will take about six hours.
The drill isn't the only element to MoDOT's winter weather operations. All maintenance employees complete an annual winter skills training that serves as a refresher course for plowing snow. The training assures that proper equipment operation, plowing techniques and safety measures are fresh on employees' minds as winter approaches. Every piece of equipment - every truck, motorgrader, snow blower, and tractor - is inspected to ensure proper operation.
"Our ultimate goal is to handle the first snowfall like we've been plowing snow all year," said Wright. "Careful planning and preparation mean our crews can mobilize when needed and our equipment will be ready."
The Missouri Department of Transportation annually spends about $46 million to keep roads clear in the winter and help ensure motorists get to their destinations safely and quickly. For information on road conditions across the state, safe traveling tips, and other winter weather information, visit http://www.modot.org/.
© Many Signals Communications
MOST VIEWED STORIES
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident
Revised flood predictions along the MO River
Lancaster shooting, threats, land man in jail
Valuation change notices coming soon for Nebraska residents
Case dismissed in charity fraud allegations
Three injured in Thursday Jeff Co collision
Atchison Police probe car wash thefts
One injured in Jeff Co collision
KHP pursuit ends in Jackson Co
Whiting woman sentenced in theft of fire dept. funds
Jeff Co North USD 339 bond issue defeated
Atchison Co's Laurie seeks another term as Sheriff
Atchison's Amelia fireworks voted 3rd in nation
Atchison Co vets to honor comrades Monday
USD 415 board holds special meeting
Former KS AG files for Congress
Brown Co Commissioner files for re-election
LATEST STORIES
Kansans, Moran, honor fallen on Memorial Day
HCF Match Day event raises more than $230K
Plans underway for " No Summer Hunger" program
Whiting woman sentenced in theft of fire dept. funds
HCC hires new Vice President for Academic Affairs
One injured in Jeff Co collision
Holton woman killed in Jackson Co car-deer accident