If you’re planning on playing in the snow, leave prepared
If you’re planning on playing in the snow, leave prepared
By Ryan Harding / ADOT Communications
January 21, 2021
One of the great things about Arizona is snow is just an hour or two away by vehicle. But it’s important to resist the urge to just jump in the car and go instead of leaving prepared.
Part of leaving prepared includes checking road conditions at az511.gov before leaving. It also includes packing plenty of warm clothes and an emergency kit that includes things like a fully charged cell phone, blankets, food and water, medications you need and even kitty litter or sand in case you get stuck in the snow.
Leaving prepared also includes remembering these two things:
You may have to spend an extended period of time on the road due to weather or unplanned incidents. It's best to be prepared.
Highway shoulders are for emergencies, and stopping there can put you, your passengers and other drivers at risk. First responders often need to use highway shoulders, and a snowplow can hurl snow and ice far off the highway. So use designated parking at snow play areas.
Also, it’s not uncommon for lots of desert dwellers to take the opportunity to head north to play in the snow. So, remember to pack your patience and expect to spend extended time in your vehicle getting to and from snow play areas.
Much like a football team makes a plan to win games, ADOT makes a plan to “win the winter season” by helping to keep highways clear of snow and ice. With thousands of miles of state highway located in areas where it snows, ADOT must carefully plan and deploy its resources to high-priority needs first.
Those high-priority needs are interstates like I-40 and I-17 that carry hundreds of thousands of vehicles and trucks everyday. Many of ADOT’s 200 snowplows will be deployed along an interstate like I-40 right before a winter storm so they are ready to go when the first snowflakes begin to fall.
State routes with lower traffic volumes are considered secondary routes because not as many vehicles use these roads. Once the interstates are cleared, ADOT snowplow operators will take care of these local state highways.
ADOT will also “block” certain state highways (that means close) as part of its game plan. SR 67 leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, state routes 261, 273 and 473 in the White Mountains and SR 366 heading up Mount Graham in southern Arizona all close for the winter.
These highways receive a lot of snow during the winter, so given that plus the fact that these roads end at destinations like the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, it makes sense to close these roads so ADOT can keep its snowplows focused on interstates and other state highways. Crews return to these highways in the spring to plow them and get them ready for reopening.
It’s important for you to have a winter game plan as well. That plan includes leaving prepared before heading to the snow.
Check az511.gov before you leave to check road conditions. Download the ADOT Alerts and AZ 511 apps. Wait out the storm if possible to give ADOT’s snowplows time to clear the highways of snow and ice. Also, take a fully charged cell phone, warm clothing and an emergency kit that includes blankets, food and water, medication and sand or kitty litter.
Check your vehicle before heading out in winter weather, making sure – at a minimum – that the tires, heater and windshield wipers are in good shape.
When it comes to snow, ADOT has a plan to help keep highways open
When it comes to snow, ADOT has a plan to help keep highways open
December 2, 2020
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.
ADOT has a prioritization plan for plowing state highways in areas where it snows. Heavily-traveled roads like interstates that carry local and cross-country traffic come first. ADOT will have many of its 200 snowplows stationed at various points along interstates and other heavily-traveled highways when the snow begins to fall.
State routes with lower traffic volumes are considered secondary routes as not as many vehicles use these roads. Once the interstates are cleared, ADOT snowplow operators will take care of these local state highways.
ADOT will also close certain state highways as part of its plan to deal with winter weather. SR 67 leading to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, state routes 261, 273 and 473 in the White Mountains area, and SR 366 heading up Mount Graham in southern Arizona all close for the winter.
ADOT closes these state highways because of the heavy amount of snow they receive, and places like the North Rim close for the winter anyway. Closing these highways allows ADOT to keep its snowplows focused on interstates and other state highways. Crews return to these highways in the spring to plow them and get them ready for reopening.
ADOT has its plan for dealing with winter weather in Arizona, and we want drivers to have a plan as well. That plan includes leaving prepared before heading to the snow.
Check az511.gov before you leave to check road conditions. Wait out the storm if possible giving ADOT’s snowplows time to clear the highways of snow and ice. Also, take a fully charged cell phone, warm clothing and an emergency kit that includes blankets, food and water, medication and sand or kitty litter.
Check your vehicle before heading out in winter weather, making sure – at a minimum – that the tires, heater and windshield wipers are in good shape.
Technology, training help ADOT keep roads safe during winter
Technology, training help ADOT keep roads safe during winter
November 17, 2020
Winter driving tips
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.
This year, 25 of ADOT’s snowplows have been equipped with new cameras that can stream a live feed back to district offices. These new cameras are another technological innovation to help ADOT be more aware of road conditions along different stretches of highway. They will help decision makers like district engineers and maintenance superintendents be able to see what the plow drivers are seeing.
ADOT districts will be able to see what conditions are like in neighboring districts and make plans to get a jump on snowplow deployment.
Many of ADOT’s nearly 200 snowplows also include auxiliary cab heaters to keep drivers warm while not idling and wasting fuel; heated windshields to prevent wipers from freezing and getting stuck; backup cameras and a camera and laser guidance system to help guide operators; state-of-the-art lighting packages, and front flex plows that can bend in different configurations to remove snow.
ADOT’s 400 snowplow drivers undergo extensive training so they can keep state highways safe. Now that we’re in the season for winter storms to potentially hit, it’s time for you to get to Know Snow by reviewing ADOT’s safety tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
For starters, slow down when roads are slick with snow and ice, leaving extra room behind the vehicle ahead. Take a fully charged cell phone, warm clothing and an emergency kit that includes blankets, food and water, medication and sand or kitty litter.
Check your vehicle before heading out in winter weather, making sure – at a minimum – that the tires, heater and windshield wipers are in good shape.
Before traveling, research weather conditions to determine whether it would be smarter to sit out a storm so ADOT’s snowplows can clear highways. Check road conditions by calling 511 or visiting az511.gov. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide real-time information and interaction.
While ADOT’s snowplow operators are ready to help you, you should help them in return. Always respect the plow. Avoid passing a snowplow that’s clearing a highway until the driver pulls over to let traffic pass, and never assume a snowplow operator knows your vehicle is nearby. If you can’t see the plow driver, there’s a good chance the driver can’t see you.
Remember: The safest place on a highway when it’s snowing is trailing a safe distance behind a snowplow.
Before traveling, start your winter season with a visit to azdot.gov/KnowSnow so you can Know Snow in Arizona.
Driving in snowy and icy road conditions require some extra caution and planning. ADOT’s snowplows keep the highways in Arizona's mountain areas clear of snow and ice to help everyone stay safe. Operating these powerful machines are drivers who receive a lot of training, including spending time in a snowplow simulator machine. That training is important, since a new snowplow costs from $303,000 to $340,000, depending on the plow’s configuration. ADOT has about 200 snowplows.
There is a lot to learn about snowplows at an ADOT website we call Know Snow. You also can check out our Know Snow YouTube playlist with videos about snow, snowplows and winter driving. Both links will take you to lots of safety tips. Most of these safety tips are for drivers, but here's one every kid should know: Never play in the snow next to a highway. One reason is that snowplows throw A LOT of snow and ice way off the roadway. You don't to be in the way when that's happening!
Download and print the snowplow-focused activity you see here to color. You can also read safety tips for your next trip with your family to play in the snow!
With temperatures finally creeping lower, it's time to start thinking about snow again. To prepare for this year’s winter storm season, about 230 ADOT employees participated in the recent Winter Readiness Academy.
Participants learned how to use snowplows to clear snow and ice on highways in Arizona’s mountain areas. Because of the current public health situation, the in-person training used in previous years was transformed into a hybrid program with both virtual and in-person activities during the week of Sept. 21.
“Students learned about running their routes, proper plowing techniques, coding plow activities, where and when to use proper material,” said Statewide Road Weather Manager Kevin Duby. “There is a lot to understand, and every situation and storm can be fluid.”
Employees watched pre-recorded presentations by subject-matter experts and received in-person training using the snowplow simulator machine that presents the operator with real-world hazards they may face on the road. Because of the public-health emergency, units used social-distancing protocols and limited the number of people in their areas.
“This workshop coupled with snowplow simulator training, unit-level snow meetings, hands-on equipment training and driving routes prepares our teams for the riggers of winter operations that lay ahead,” said Northcentral District Highway Operations Superintendent Thomas Eckler. “The workshop also allows for networking and the exchange of ideas on how to improve our processes and level of service.”
ADOT has about 200 snowplows. New plows cost about $303,000 to $340,000 each, depending on the plow’s configuration.
That's how we are preparing, but you can read about how you can prepare for driving during wintry weather at azdot.gov/knowsnow.
ADOT Kids: Sharing your snowplow art, answering your questions
ADOT Kids: Sharing your snowplow art, answering your questions
April 17, 2020
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 Steve Elliott / ADOT Communications
Thanks to everyone who took part in our first ADOT Kids activity about snowplows! I hope you had fun. We at ADOT sure enjoyed doing it.
Everyone here loved the colorings you shared. And thanks for sending us so many great questions about snowplows.
As promised, there's a slideshow below with everyone's colorings. At right, you can watch a fun video with an ADOT engineer who knows A LOT about snowplows and how we keep highways safe during winter storms. His name is Jesse Gutierrez, and his job is Deputy State Engineer for Operations. We sure appreciate him answering your questions about snowplows.
We have more fun ADOT Kids activities lined up for you. Until next Wednesday, April 22, we hope you will take part in our Keep It Grand Art Challenge. We want you to use sidewalk chalk or anything else you have handy to encourage people to keep Arizona looking great by not littering. Please follow this link for more information.
Next Wednesday, April 22, we'll have a new activity about how engineers build bridges. For more ADOT Kids fun, please keep checking back at azdot.gov/blog or by following the #ADOTKids hashtag on our Twitter,Facebook and Instagram accounts.
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.
Caroline Carpenter / ADOT Communications
Did you know a snowplow weighs as much as five elephants? If you didn't, that means you may have missed our first ADOT Kids blog about snowplows. Over the next few weeks, we'll be helping kids learn more about transportation, construction and engineering. We'll be providing fun, educational activities for kids of all ages. You can search "ADOT Kids" on our website for activities or search social media using the hashtag #ADOTKids.
Now, back to those really big snowplows! Kids, did you finish your snowplow coloring activity? Make sure you email it to [email protected] so it can be featured on our website! If you haven't finished your coloring project, visit the ADOT Blog to print our snowplow images for coloring. You can also read more about snowplows and watch videos of them in action when you visit the blog.
After you've emailed your snowplow art to [email protected], take our quiz below to see how much you know about snowplows. If you still have questions about snowplows, get them answered by an ADOT engineer! Email your questions to [email protected] or post them on social media using the hashtag #ADOTKids.
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
Did you know that one ADOT snowplow weighs as much as five elephants? That’s 30 tons!
Snowplows keep the highways in Arizona's mountain areas clear of snow and ice to help everyone stay safe. Operating these powerful machines are drivers who receive a lot of training, including spending time in a snowplow simulator machine. That training is important, since a new snowplow costs at least $250,000.
Check out the video at right showing ADOT snowplows and snowplow drivers in action. It's from 2014.
A snowplow driver’s job is very important in keeping roads safe for travel. The city of Flagstaff, which is about a two-hour drive north of Phoenix, can get 90 inches of snow in a year. If that all fell at once, it would be taller than Deandre Ayton of the Phoenix Suns!
There are two busy freeways near Flagstaff, Interstate 40 and Interstate 17, so that area has a lot of ADOT plows on the road when it snows. That helps keep everyone safe.
Snowplow drivers work for 12 hours. That’s like starting when you first get up for school and finishing at dinnertime! Can you imagine sitting behind the wheel of one of these large vehicles in a snowstorm for that long?
If you think that these snowplows are big, check out the second video about the TowPlow. ADOT has two TowPlows. They attach to the back of a regular snowplow, and the driver steers it clear even more snow and ice.
TowPlows are HUGE! They allow one driver in a snowplow to do the work of TWO regular snowplows.
By now, I hope you love snowplows as much as I do. There's lots more to learn about them at a website we call Know Snow. You also can check out our Know Snow YouTube channel with videos about snow, snowplows and winter driving. Both links will take you to lots of safety tips. Most of these safety tips are for drivers, but here's one every kid should know: Never play in the snow next to a highway. One reason is that snowplows throw A LOT of snow and ice way off the roadway. You don't to be in the way when that's happening!
We also have activities for you:
COLOR A PICTURE AND SEND IT TO US: When you color one or both of the snowplow pictures below (click on them for a version you can print), have an adult scan or take a picture of your coloring and email it to [email protected]. We'll add every one we receive by 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 15, to a slideshow and put it right here on Friday, April 17, so you can see your masterpiece along with everyone else's. We've included spaces for you to include your first name (only your first name), your age and where you live. We can't post photos of you with your art, but we'd love to show just your art. UPDATE: We've added a slideshow with everyone's colorings below.
SEND US QUESTIONS: When an adult emails your picture to [email protected], please send us questions you have about snowplows. We'll share the most popular questions with an ADOT engineer who knows A LOT about snowplows. UPDATE: We've shared this video below in which Jesse Gutierrez, our deputy state engineer for operations, answers your questions.
I can't wait to see what you do with these drawings and to see what questions you have about ADOT snowplows!
TowPlows, training help give ADOT an edge when snow hampers travel
TowPlows, training help give ADOT an edge when snow hampers travel
November 14, 2019
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.
Able to do the job of two snowplows by clearing a 24-foot-wide path, this combination lets ADOT clear more lanes in less time using less fuel. When possible, ADOT will run another snowplow alongside the TowPlow setup, clearing both lanes and the shoulder at once.
Everyone benefits from having all of ADOT’s two TowPlows and nearly 200 snowplows clearing highways rather than having some taken out of service when misguided motorists crash into them. That’s why ADOT’s Know Snow tips include this simple request: Respect the plow.
Here’s how you do that:
Give them room: Stay well behind any snowplow – a minimum of four vehicle lengths.
Don’t try to pass: Plow drivers will move over periodically and allow traffic to pass when it is safe to do so.
Think safety: The road behind a snowplow is the safest place to drive.
ADOT’s 400 snowplow drivers undergo extensive training so they can keep state highways safe. With the potential for winter storms to hit soon, now it’s time for you to get to Know Snow by reviewing ADOT’s safety tips at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
For starters, slow down when roads are slick with snow and ice, leaving extra room behind the vehicle ahead. Take a fully charged cellphone, warm clothing and an emergency kit that includes blankets, food and water, medication and sand or kitty litter.
Check your vehicle before heading out in winter weather, making sure – at a minimum – that the tires, heater and windshield wipers are in good shape.
Before traveling, research weather conditions to determine whether it would be smarter to sit out a storm so ADOT’s snowplows can clear highways. Check road conditions by calling 511 or visiting az511.gov. ADOT’s Twitter account (@ArizonaDOT) and Facebook page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide real-time information and interaction. And the free ADOT Alerts app available at ADOTAlerts.com will send critical information, including alternate routes, should snow and ice close a major highway.
So do you Know Snow in Arizona? If not, now’s the time to start learning with a trip to azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
