Snowplow Operators In The Northland Prepare For Snow

Don't be surprised if you see some snowplows out on the roads over the next week or so; More than one hundred snowplow operators from around the state of Minnesota are taking part in a training session to get them ready for the winter ahead.

The camp is run by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and is happening this year near Little Falls. According to Transportation Commissioner Charlie Zelle:

"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. Getting people safely to their destinations is a team effort."

The fall training camp gives MNDOT an opportunity to train new employees and to give seasoned veterans the chance to improve their skills; In addition to state employees, snowplow operators from township, city, county, and tribal governments also participate.

The current two week session is expected to wrap up around October 2. A second session will be held October 19-30 for an additional 70 operators.