COLUMBUS – After two consecutive record-breaking winters, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is preparing for winter 2015/2016 by readying its snow and ice equipment, filling salt barns and ensuring operators and mechanics are well trained

Throughout October and November, ODOT crews around the state will conduct 150-point inspections to repair and fine tune snow removal equipment in preparation of winter. The inspections are part of the department’s annual county-by-county Operational Readiness Inspections.

“Our snow plow trucks were driven 12 million miles last winter. That’s a lot of wear and tear,” said ODOT Director Wray. “These inspections are critical in making sure our equipment is road-ready when the snow starts to fall.”

District 7 employees took part in a district-wide Winter Readiness event Tuesday at The Avenue at Ginghamsburg in Tipp City. The event focused on snow and ice operations, equipment demonstrations, skills behind the plow and overall preparedness for any storm. Employees participated in breakout sessions focusing on equipment maintenance, material applications, safety and communications. This annual event gets employees geared up as we head into Winter.

ODOT has more than 1,800 snow plow trucks and 3,000 operators that clear snow and ice from 43,000 miles of state, U.S. and Interstate routes.

ODOT reminds motorists in Ice and Snow, Take it Slow. Last winter, 89 vehicles struck ODOT snow plow trucks as a result of following too closely.