Highway technicians David Monnin (L) and Austin Brate inspect one of ODOT's 17 plow trucks in Butler County. The 150-point inspection is part of the department's annual operational readiness to ensure each piece of equipment is ready before winter weather strikes. (Ohio Department of Transportation photo)

With the winter season just around the corner, it won't be long before the snow starts flying. That's why the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has started its annual inspection of more than 155 plow trucks and pieces of equipment in southwest Ohio to ensure they're ready for whatever Ol' Man Winter brings.

During October, crews at ODOT District 8's county maintenance facilities and outposts went through a 150-point inspection list, making certain that every truck is running and ready to go. These pre-season check-ups also allow auto techs and mechanics to make repairs and address any issues before the equipment is actually needed.

"Overall highway maintenance and keeping roadways safe and passable during a snow and ice event is something we take very seriously," said Tammy Campbell, District 8 deputy director. "With more than 3,800 lane miles and 1,534 bridges to maintain in District 8, we know that the safe and easy movement of people and goods is of the utmost importance for everyone."

In addition to its fleet and more than 59,000 tons of salt on hand, District 8 will be ready with 244 drivers that include full-time employees, seasonal workers and backup drivers.

"The men and women of District 8, and across the state, take great pride in ensuring motorists have the safest conditions possible to get wherever they need to go," Campbell said.

Last winter, ODOT crews drove just more than 262,000 mi. of roadway and worked 48,227 hours, using 23,342 tons of salt and 110,000 gal. of liquid de-icers on snow and ice operations in the seven-county region that includes Butler, Clermont, Clinton, Greene, Hamilton, Preble and Warren counties.

Across the state, ODOT has more than 3,300 drivers, including 475 temporary seasonal employees, ready for winter weather. These employees often work 12-hour shifts during snow events, and ODOT's goal is to have primary routes back up to speed within two hours of the end of a snow event. Statewide, crews hit that goal 98 percent of the time last winter.

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