Columbus, Ohio – The state of Ohio is already gearing up for the challenges that come with snow and ice season. The average date of the first measurable snowfall varies across the state—from early November in northern Ohio to late November further south—and state officials are making sure they are ready.
Governor Mike DeWine underscored the importance of preparation as the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) works to finalize inspections and staffing for the upcoming winter. “Ohioans count on ODOT for a safe and dependable transportation network, especially in the winter months,” said Governor DeWine. “I am confident that our crews are ready throughout the state to take on upcoming winter weather conditions.”
Nearly 3,000 Drivers Prepared for Snow and Ice
ODOT has assembled a winter response team of close to 3,000 drivers, many of whom will work 12-hour shifts when winter storms hit. While the majority of these operators are full-time employees, ODOT supplements its workforce with around 500 seasonal drivers each year. On top of that, auxiliary drivers—employees who normally handle other assignments—can be called upon to plow snow when necessary.
These drivers are tasked with maintaining more than 43,000 lane miles of state and U.S. routes outside of municipal limits, as well as all interstate highways in Ohio except for the Ohio Turnpike. The agency’s commitment to rapid response has shown results: ODOT’s goal is to have primary routes cleared within two hours and secondary roads cleared within four hours after a snow event ends. Last winter, crews successfully met that target 99.3% of the time, a record the agency is determined to repeat.
Equipment Inspections and Maintenance Underway
Behind the scenes, about 250 mechanics are hard at work conducting 150-point inspections on the state’s fleet of nearly 1,700 snowplow trucks. These checks, which cover everything from the plow blade to the salt spinner, are designed to ensure that vehicles are fully operational before winter storms arrive. Any necessary repairs are completed now so that equipment downtime is minimized once the snow season begins.
ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn emphasized the shared responsibility of safety among staff. “From the mechanics in the garage to the drivers on the road, every one of our ODOT employees prioritizes safety in what they do,” Boratyn said. “Our team-members and their families travel the same roads you do. We want to make sure those roads are safe for everyone to use.”
Salt and Supplies Stockpiled for Winter
The agency also confirmed that it has over 800,000 tons of salt ready for use across Ohio. During the 2024-2025 winter season, ODOT crews drove 9.1 million miles and spread 769,177 tons of salt along with 16.4 million gallons of liquid deicer. These supplies, paired with efficient planning, will once again play a crucial role in keeping highways safe and passable.
Safety on the Roads
Even with extensive preparation, safety on winter roads requires cooperation from motorists. Last winter, 54 ODOT snowplows were struck while in operation. Each collision not only puts workers in danger but also removes vital equipment from service, forcing other crews to cover longer routes. ODOT urges drivers to be cautious, slow down, and give plows plenty of room to work.
As the first snow of the season approaches, state officials are confident that Ohio is ready. Between well-trained crews, well-maintained equipment, and a strong supply of salt and deicers, ODOT’s preparations highlight its commitment to keeping residents safe throughout the winter months.
