Over 1,800 snow plows stand at the ready across Illinois

Posted on February 1, 2022
Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) spokesman Paul Wappel says the trucks are ready to hit the road. (Photo courtesy: Twitter/IDOT)

By Blake Haas and RFD Radio

BLOOMINGTON – Over 1,800 snowplows at the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) are on standby for the next several days as a winter storm is estimated to bring over a foot of snow.

IDOT Spokesman Paul Wappel said the plows are full of salt and are ready to hit the highways.

“One of the most important things for motorists to remember when there is snow or ice on the road, and you see it being an IDOT truck is this – please don’t crowd the plow. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted, you know, you may see them, but they may not see you.

Last winter, for example, we had several incidents where snowplows were hit. Fortunately, no one was killed, and there were no serious injuries. But, any plow that gets hit has to be pulled out of service.”

According to Wapple, the roads behind a snowplow are not better than those in front of them.

All road conditions can be found at gettingaroundIllinois.com.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

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