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The state DOT, they're one of the many areas who are getting their fleets up to date to keep roads safe for drivers
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Our Julia Gress reports. So we're training our operators. We are tuning up all of our equipment
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We're making sure our salt barns are full. Collaborating with the National Weather Service and New York State Police
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officials have plans in place to divert traffic if roadways like Interstate 86 become impassable
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We also have emergency gates that will come down. on your major expressways, the on and off ramps
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so that we can control traffic if we need to close a stretch of highway
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so that we can better clear it if it's not safe. Over the winter months, the DOT hires extra plow drivers to help maintain the highway
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Those 18 and up with a CDL license are encouraged to apply. We are staffed adequately
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I want to stress that we are ready for whatever Mother Nature may bring us this weekend
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We're going to do our best. However, we do like to pat our numbers over the winter
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We all know winter is not a short season in western New York. It can extend for months and months and months
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So we can't burn out like our same staff. So we like to bring on additional people so that, you know, we can spread the work amongst many
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While plow drivers receive extensive training, DOT officials need help to keep the roads clear and safe for those traversing the storm
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New York State has one person in the plow. So that person is driving, they're dispensing the salt, and they're operating the wings
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So, you know, these are highly trained specialists that are driving these snowplows
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and that's why we always like to take the opportunity to remind the traveling public
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You need to be courteous when you encounter a snowplow. Furthermore, it is not safe to pass a plow
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Drivers should give space and that the safest place to drive is behind a snowplow
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Julia Gras, W&Y News now
