Snow is not in the local forecast yet, but MoDOT workers spent Wednesday getting ready for winter weather.
The department conducted a statewide drill to test its winter battle plan.
"Over 3,200 MoDOT employees are involved in our winter operations, including every maintenance crew across the state," Maintenance Engineer Becky Allmeroth said.
During the drill, MoDOT employees reacted to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the entire state. The department's emergency operations centers were activated and maintenance employees were deployed to their trucks.
"One of the most valuable parts of the drill is to measure our snowplow assignments by driving routes we may have modified since the previous winter season," Allmeroth said. "As we open new roads and lanes we must modify our snow removal plans. The drill also allows our newest snow plow drivers the opportunity to drive a plow over some of their proposed routes so they are aware of obstacles that might be hidden in a storm by snow or ice such as curbs and raised islands."
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 includes how to properly operate equipment, plowing techniques and other safety measures. Every piece of equipment - every truck, motor grader, 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," Allmeroth said.
MoDOT annually spends approximately $43 million to keep roads clear in the winter.