As you make your plans to finish up those last minute chores around the yard before winter comes - have you ever wondered how MNDOT prepares for the eventual task of snow removal?

More than 90 snowplow operators are currently participating in an intensive training program to prepare them for the worst road conditions a typical Minnesota winter has to offer. The training session began September 15, and runs through September 26 at the Camp Ripley training facility near Little Falls, Minnesota.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s snowplow operator training program, known as SPOT, is a two-week session that highlights a variety of safety measures, plowing techniques and best practices. The session provides trainees with updates on new equipment, policies and procedures related to winter highway maintenance operations.

“We have more than 1,500 snowplow operators clearing 30,000 lane miles of state highway each winter to ensure that motorists can get to where they want to go,” said Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle. “Getting people safely from A to B is a team effort.”

As part of SPOT, MNDOT maintenance supervisors and other staff provide hands-on training and share their experience and insights with the trainees.

In addition to new MNDOT employees, MNDOT veterans who want to improve their skills and snowplow operators from township, city, county and tribal governments also participate, including 15 operators from the city of Minneapolis this year.

“The session is taught by skilled MNDOT employees and offers an effective way to meet short-term training needs that will lead to long-term improvements,” said Tom O’Keefe, state maintenance engineer. “It is important that we take the time to train snowplow operators so we can provide the best possible service to motorists.”

SPOT began in 2004. When the current session ends Sept. 26, MNDOT will have trained more than 1,300 snowplow operators.

 

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