When Arizona’s latest winter storm hit Sunday evening, ADOT crews went into high gear. Snowplow operators across northern Arizona and other areas where snow fell worked into the night and on through to Monday evening before the storm let up. Their efforts helped keep highways open and traffic flowing.

In ADOT’s North-Central District, based in Flagstaff, Maintenance Engineer Kurtis Harris says a combination of equipment, people, training and advanced planning make for a successful response to a winter storm. And that doesn’t include just the 100-plus snowplow operators on call when the storm hit.

Three motorist-assist groups were stationed on I-17 and parts of I-40 to respond to any drivers in need of help. These crews travel in four-wheel drive vehicles equipped with salt, cinder, shovels and other equipment to help motorists and quickly radio requests for DPS or tow trucks.

“They look for stranded motorists or those who have slid off the road,” Harris says. “Getting stuck vehicles off the road or moving again goes a long way in preventing road closures.”

The snowstorm also gave the North-Central District a chance to try out ADOT’s brand new TowPlow.

Never heard of a TowPlow? It’s a steerable trailer with a 26-foot blade that’s attached to the back of a regular snowplow truck. The combination, able to plow a 24-foot-wide path, lets ADOT clear more lanes in less time using less fuel. ADOT’s TowPlow joins a fleet of 200 traditional snowplows and is assigned to 20 miles of I-40 between Williams and Bellemont west of Flagstaff.

Harris also notes that during storm events, road-closure teams stand by, ready with cones and equipment to quickly and safely set up closures and detours when necessary.

During a winter storm, much of the action is out on the roads, but there’s also a ton of work and coordination happening behind the scenes.

“All of us have a responsibility for keeping the roads open and safe,” Harris says.

That of course extends to drivers, too.

For snow safety tips, visit azdot.gov/KnowSnow. You can also revisit our previous posts for more information on how ADOT prepares for the winter storm season (this video in particular is a good one to watch, if you want a behind the scenes look at how snowplow drivers train).

Snow hasn’t changed since the 1950s, but the way ADOT clears it from the road has.

While today’s snowplows look quite different compared to the design from decades ago, we’re fairly certain that back then snowplow operators appreciated the cooperation of other motorists just as much as they do now.

This winter, ADOT has 450 commercially licensed snowplow drivers who are all ready for the next storm. When it snows, ADOT’s plow drivers stay very busy – the typical shift lasts 12 hours during a storm. To help make their jobs a little easier, there are some simple things all motorists can do.

Respect the plow
First, remember that during or immediately after a snowstorm, you’re better off delaying your travel until the roadways are clear and the weather has cleared up. If you must drive, please follow these safety tips:

• Never pass a snowplow! Slow down and be patient.
• Stay at least four car lengths behind snowplows and equipment. Plowed snow can create a cloud that reduces visibility, and spreaders on trucks throw salt or sand that can damage your vehicle.
• Watch for snowplows operating in multiple travel lanes or in tandem.
• If approaching an oncoming snowplow, slow down and give the plow extra room.

For even more on ADOT’s snowplow crews, take a look at this video from last year to see what a day in the life of a snowplow operator entails. You cans also visit ADOT’s Know Snow page for safe driving recommendations and tips to help you prepare for driving in wintry conditions.

We love featuring vintage transportation-related photographs on this blog, but we also like to focus on how things have improved and changed over the years. That’s why we thought it’d be fun to compare the old to the new in a series we’re calling, “Yesterday and Today.”

We’re wrapping up the week with a new video that shows off some winter driving season stats...

Besides being useful, the information included makes for great trivia. You might consider sharing some of the video’s factoids with your friends and family at any upcoming holiday parties you may be attending! Imagine how impressed everyone will be when you announce the exact number of snowplows in ADOT’s fleet (there’s 214). They’ll be wowed when you explain that ADOT has more than 450 employees trained to drive a snowplow (you might even earn bonus points if you go back and review this video on snowplow driver training). You can also tell them that ADOT uses 193 overhead message boards to alert drivers of road conditions.

OK, we’ll let you watch the video to get the rest of the details, but before we sign off, let us point you to our “Know Snow” webpage. There, you’ll find even more information on winter driving and great tips on how to prepare your vehicle for a wintertime trip, along with info on how to deal with various snowy/icy conditions.

Before you head out on the road, you’re also encouraged to call 511 or visit ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at az511.gov for the latest information. ADOT’s Twitter feed is also a great resource for drivers. Of course, you can always revisit our previous “Know Snow” blog posts and videos. Safe travels!

Last week, we shared some winter driving tips and encouraged motorists to prepare for the snowy, icy road conditions that accompany the season. Today, we want to give you a look at how ADOT gets ready for that ice and snow…

The infographic below outlines many important facts about snowplows and ADOT’s winter operations. Once you’re done checking it out, we invite you to revisit some of our previous posts to learn more about snowplows, winter driving and ADOT’s role during the winter months. As always, you can go to our Know Snow webpage for even more safety information.

“The safest location for drivers would be to try to stay behind a plow at a safe distance. ... If you’re behind a plow, you’re going to get from point A to point B.”

That's the message ADOT snowplow drivers want you to remember when driving in the snow this season.

Snowplow operators have a serious job to do and it’s important that everyone else on the road gives them the room they need to do it safely. That means staying at least four car lengths behind a plow (if you think you’re too close to a snowplow, you probably are). You also shouldn't try to pass these vehicles … just stay back and let them clear the road. Snowplows are large, heavy vehicles that need room to operate.

Ready for the winter

Winter safety is a year-round focus for ADOT. In preparation for this year’s winter storm season, more than 450 ADOT employees and snowplow operators attended a Winter Readiness Academy in Flagstaff this summer. The training workshop included instruction from industry experts and some of own ADOT’s in-house experts.

Several hours in the classroom, snowplow simulators and on-the-job training are also required of any ADOT employee before becoming a certified snowplow operator.

“The work that they do is difficult and dangerous. They work long shifts and so it’s important that they be well trained and prepared to do that task,” says Assistant State Engineer Lonnie Hendrix of ADOT’s 450 plow operators.

Learn more about winter driving and snowplows, by visiting our “Know Snow” Web page.

Did you happen to tune in to any of the local television news stations this morning?

If you did, you may have caught a glimpse of the snowplows that were on display for ADOT’s annual winter readiness event in Phoenix.

Yes, that’s right. We had snowplows in Phoenix … but it was for a good reason.

Every year, ADOT invites members of the media (and their audiences) to take an up-close look at all the equipment that’s involved in keeping the roads clear once the winter weather hits.

This includes the snowplows and snowplow simulators (more on those in a minute). The media also had the chance to visit the Traffic Operations Center control room to see where and how ADOT operators monitor the freeways during a storm.

ADOT hosts these winter readiness events each year so drivers can see that ADOT is prepped and ready for the season ahead. We also use the event as an opportunity to share some important winter-driving tips.

Know Snow

If you read yesterday’s blog post, you know that we’re focused this week on getting drivers the information they’ll need to be safe on the road this winter.

The best place to find all those details is over on our “Know Snow” Web page. There, you’ll find information on how to prepare your vehicle, tips for driving on wet or icy roadways and a list of “must haves” for every vehicle.

We also want to make sure drivers know how to share the road with a snowplow...

Of course, your best bet is to stay indoors until the weather and roads are clear. But if you happen to be driving during a snowstorm you’ll want to remember this advice:

• Never pass a snowplow! Slow down and be patient.
• Stay at least four car lengths behind snowplows and equipment. Plowed snow can create a cloud that reduces visibility, and spreaders on trucks throw salt and sand that can damage your vehicle.
• Watch for snowplows operating in multiple travel lanes or in tandem.
• If approaching an oncoming snowplow, slow down and give the plow extra room.

About those snowplow simulators

The snowplow simulators (see photos above) are valuable training tools for ADOT snowplow operators. They may look big video games, but they’re definitely not. The simulators can help someone learn to operate a snowplow by presenting the operator with some of the real-world hazards they may face out on the road. They can output everything from different weather conditions to locked brakes and failed headlights.

Three of our snowplow simulators have received upgrades since last year, including new software, 50-inch monitors, better graphics and new computers. These upgrades will enhance the training experience for our snowplow operators and better equip them for the job ahead.

You can read more about the simulators, along with snowplows and other equipment, by checking out some of our blog posts from previous winters. And, be sure to stay tuned to the blog this week … we’ve got a new video coming your way tomorrow!

Looking for a used car? Or, maybe you’re in the market for a pickup truck? How about an old snowplow – got any room in your garage for one of those?

If so, you might want to head over to ADOT’s annual spring auction on April 6 at the ADOT Equipment Services yard, 2350 S. 22nd Ave., Phoenix 85009. Gates open at 6 a.m. and bidding starts promptly at 8 a.m.

ADOT will auction vehicles, including 31 sedans, 86 pickups and 10 snowplows, as well as other surplus equipment that has been replaced or used beyond its life cycle with the agency – think front-end loaders, dump trucks, air compressors, message boards and even a few attenuators.

Potential bidders can visit the auction yard before the auction to inspect the available vehicles and other items. The pre-auction inspection is open 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. today and tomorrow (April 3-4) at the equipment services yard (2350 S. 22nd Ave. in Phoenix).

DOT is auctioning vehicles, including 86 pickups and 31 sedans.

To avoid delays and lines, ADOT provides potential bidders with the opportunity to register for the auction ahead of time. Pre-registration hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. through tomorrow (April 4) at the equipment services yard. All potential bidders must pre-register in person. Bidders will also be able to register the day of the auction when the gates open.

ADOT encourages those who plan on attending to dress appropriately for the outdoor event. Please wear proper footwear, use sunscreen, wear a hat and bring some drinking water.

The ADOT vehicles and equipment will be sold on an “as-is, where-is” basis. More information about the auction is available on the Equipment Services Web page, under the “auction” tab.

Winter isn’t officially here yet, but Arizona has already received some snowy weather this month.

Don’t worry … the season’s early start hasn’t caught ADOT off guard. Our crews are ready and have been preparing for winter operations all year long.

Winter in Arizona
Weather conditions in Arizona can find you driving from the sunny, moderate climate of the low desert into ice and snow in the state’s mountain regions in just a couple of hours. These types of winter storms can really cause havoc with travel plans and businesses. And it means that ADOT—and drivers—need to be prepared.

Public safety is ADOT’s top priority when winter storms hit the state and roads become snowy and icy. ADOT resources are quickly deployed before, during and after storms to keep state highways safe. ADOT’s goal is to limit highway closures and to clear snow and ice as soon as possible.

ADOT has added 16 new snowplows to its fleet this winter season to replace 16 older plows. These new plows, which cost approximately $250,000 per vehicle, are being deployed to different regions around the state.

To date, all of ADOT’s 202 snowplows are serviced and ready, 420 snowplow operators are trained and on alert, and maintenance yards are stocked with deicer materials and equipment.

The cost of winter weather
ADOT’s yearly budget for snowplowing and winter storm maintenance is between $4 million and $8 million, depending on the severity of the winter season. Last season was particularly heavy as ADOT spent approximately $7.6 million on snow removal efforts. This figure includes labor costs, equipment expenses, fuel and deicer chemicals.

Staying safe
While ADOT is prepared to keep the roads clear and open, the agency is encouraging motorists to be prepared as well when driving in snowy and icy conditions. Winter can be a dangerous time with wind, ice, snow and freezing temperatures causing unsafe conditions. With that in mind, ADOT recommends the following winter driving tips:

• Slow down, be patient and drive safely. Plan for extra travel time.
• Be alert: ice forms on bridges first and is hard to see.
• When driving behind a snowplow, stay back at least a few car lengths until it’s safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road. If you think you’re traveling too close to a plow, you probably are. Be safe and stay back!
• Maintain at least a three-quarter full tank of gas.
• Notify someone of your travel route, destination and projected arrival time.
• Carry an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle that includes blankets, extra clothes, a flashlight, an ice scraper, a shovel, sand for traction, a fully charged cell phone, and hazard warning lights or reflectors.
• Brake slowly to avoid any panic braking or jerking the steering wheel.
• Increase the distance between you and the traffic ahead.
• Carry plenty of food and water and all necessary medications.
• Carry tire chains, snow cables or snow tires.
• Wear warm clothes to protect you during extended time periods in cold temperatures.

Additional information on how ADOT prepares for winter weather can be found in our blog archives and at ADOT’s “Know Snow” website. The site also contains downloadable snow maps of snowplowing schedules and routes.Before heading out on the roads, drivers are encouraged to call 511 or log on to ADOT’s Traveler Information Center at www.az511.gov for the latest highway conditions around the state. The website features images along state highways that give drivers a glimpse of weather conditions in various regions.

ADOT snowplow drivers and support staff already are preparing for the icy, cold months ahead…

And, yes, ADOT has snowplow drivers – the state isn’t all desert! Arizona winters always bring plenty of storms to keep our crews busy … remember this doozy from March

The ultimate goal for our crews is to stay safe on the job, while keeping the roads clear and safe for drivers – that means continued training is essential for the state’s 450-plus snowplow drivers.

This year, ADOT leadership put together a winter readiness training workshop for all employees involved in winter storm maintenance. The event provided a comprehensive look at everything and anything related to winter storm maintenance and safety.

State Maintenance Engineer Lonnie Hendrix explains in the video above why this training is so vital.

“To make sure we’re as prepared as possible to make the roads and highways in the state safe and open during winter storms,” he said. “As a winter storm passes through the state we typically mobilize half the value of our entire equipment fleet. We’ll mobilize half of our entire highway maintenance work force. We’ll spend millions of dollars on chemicals. So these events are very expensive. They’re very important to us and it’s important that we do a good job.”