ODOT gears up for winter weather

News Top Stories Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp WAPAKONETA — As winter season approaches, it’s important to pay attention to those working on roads making our streets safer for motorists. The Ohio Department of Transportation prepared its staff and equipment for the cold months ahead. ODOT shared details about its preparations, as well as the precautions it takes to ensure roads remain clear. “We’re just getting all of our equipment ready for snow and ice, make sure everything’s in good working order,” said Scott Hurley, transportation administrator for Auglaize County. “If it starts snowing, we’re not going out and having a bunch of problems with the equipment. We do this every year, making sure everything’s clean and in good working order. All the lights are working, all the turn signals, all the plows are working.” Hurley said Ohio’s weather can be unpredictable. “I’m not a weatherman, but, it’s hard, very hard; we have all the tools now. But, it still seems like Mother Nature never cooperates.” Brad Krites, a driver for Highway District 3, shared some of the biggest challenges throughout the season. “We obviously answer traffic a lot of times, but out here in rural areas, there can be snow drifts,” he said. “Sometimes, you can’t find a road. You know, we get a lot of wind here, so you slow down, feel your way through it, but in the congested areas of traffic, that’s the biggest challenge.” Krites said preparing their thought process is just as important as preparing the trucks. “Just being mentally ready, you know, knowing that it can be a lot of hours,” Krites said. “Just being alert. I’ve been on the road a lot over the years prior to coming here, so I kind of understand both sides of it.” ODOT employees have noticed motorists becoming impatient with their work. “There’s a lot of people I think we have on the road today that may not realize what the truck is doing, and sometimes, the actions that they see us take, they may not understand that even though we have their best interests in mind, there’s things we have to do in certain situations,” he said. Hurley reminded motorists what to do when they see an ODOT vehicle working. “When you’re out there, and you see us work and move over, give us room to plow and slow down,” Hurley said. Featured Local Savings