Snowplows

PHOENIX – Back for a third year, the Arizona Department of Transportation is again asking the public to name its snowplows.

With winter well on its way, ADOT’s snowplow operators have been training on snowplow simulators since September to prepare for winter storms. 

What are these snowplow simulators? 

They’re an immersive tool we use that can be programmed with different scenarios that snowplow operators might encounter when they’re out plowing Arizona’s highways. The instructor running the course can change all sorts of variables of the course. 

PHOENIX – When winter storms roll through Arizona, driving can be more difficult because of reduced visibility and slicker roads. Because of this, the Arizona Department of Transportation often encourages motorists to delay travel plans. But one group of people – ADOT’s snowplow operators – don’t have the option to stay off highways. In fact, they’re sent into the teeth of storms, tasked with clearing highways as quickly and safely as possible.

PHOENIX – While much of Arizona is experiencing 100-degree heat daily, the Arizona Department of Transportation is already preparing for winter.

ADOT acquired five new snowplows and held a training in Flagstaff in August to review the mechanics and technology of the equipment and provide instruction to staff on how to troubleshoot issues technicians and snowplow operators may encounter. 

PHOENIX – The results are in for the Arizona Department of Transportation’s second Name-A-Snowplow Contest and Arizonans have chosen some humorous and creative names. 

After tabulating more than 9,500 votes, the winning snowplow names are:

Voting is now underway for ADOT’s second Name-A-Snowplow Contest. Arizonans submitted thousands of creative names, and it’s fantastic to see the participation!

Now, you have a chance to choose your top three favorites by going to azdot.gov/NameAPlow. The three names that receive the most votes will be crowned the winners and placed on the side of the snowplows. Voting is open through Thursday, Feb. 15, so the clock is ticking. Don’t miss out! 

The 10 finalists are:

With snow already falling in the high country, drivers across Arizona are counting on snowplow operators to clear highways. Operators of the Arizona Department of Transportation’s 200 snowplows have been training since late summer on snowplow simulators in preparation for the upcoming winter season.

ADOT’s five snowplow simulators can be programmed with scenarios that are meant to mimic what operators may encounter on Arizona roads. Instructors can create different simulations that give operators the opportunity to drive in various weather and roadway conditions. 

PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Transportation snowplow drivers have logged well over a million miles to clear state highways amid this winter season’s record-setting storms. 

The 1.2 million miles covered by ADOT’s fleet of some 200 snowplows is nearly twice as many as they drove during the 2021-22 winter season. ADOT’s trained snowplow operators have logged more than 66,000 hours – more than double the previous season’s total – working through the challenge of removing snow and ice as safely and as quickly as possible from highways impacted by winter storms.

ADOT's snowplows are ready to kick into high gear for the snow forecast for the upcoming weekend. 

If you are heading north to play in the snow, remember to take along warm clothes, emergency gear, a travel plan and some patience. 

Getting ready for a snow storm is like getting ready for the big game. Have your defense ready and a plan in place. That's how ADOT plans to wins this season!

PHOENIX – When winter storms come through Arizona, major interstates like I-40 and I-17 are affected, impacting thousands of cars and trucks traveling on the highways. Fortunately, the Arizona Department of Transportation has a plan to help keep primary routes like interstates open during winter storms.

PHOENIX — When snow begins to fall, trained Arizona Department of Transportation snowplow operators will work around the clock to keep the roads safe. Ever-evolving technology incorporated into the snowplows help give the operators a leg up during their 12-hour shifts.

Yes, it snows in Arizona, so it's time to start thinking about snowplows! Learn more about how ADOT uses these incredible machines.

It may still be a little warm outside, but it's never too early to start preparing for winter storms.

Thanks to everyone who took part in our first ADOT Kids activity about snowplows! Here's a slideshow with your art and a video with an ADOT engineer answering your questions.

EDITOR'S NOTE: During this unprecedented time, ADOT is creating transportation activities for kids. Please visit azdot.gov/ADOTKids or use the hashtag #ADOTKids on ADOT's Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts to see what we have going on.

By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications

PHOENIX – Arizona Department of Transportation snowplows will operate around the clock when winter storms hamper travel on state highways. For Interstate 40 between Flagstaff and Williams, the highest freeway stretch in Arizona, an innovation known as the TowPlow helps give ADOT an edge by allowing just one driver to clear snow and ice from two lanes.

The TowPlow is a steerable trailer with a 26-foot blade that attaches to the back of a snowplow. Two TowPlows are assigned to I-40 west of Flagstaff, an area that often sees intense snowfall.

Check out how our crews were able to recently reopen highways in the White Mountains after seasonal closures.