Hawkeye Reporter

The Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) is gearing up for the winter season, urging residents to prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions. As fall transitions into winter, temperatures can fluctuate significantly, impacting road safety and testing drivers' winter skills.

Today marks the official start of winter preparations for the Iowa DOT. The department's equipment and supplies are ready to maintain the state's 24,613 lane miles. "Our goal is to keep the DOT’s 24,613 (FY 2025) lane miles as clear and safe as possible and give drivers the information needed to make smarter, safer travel decisions," said a spokesperson from Iowa DOT.

Drivers are encouraged to winterize their vehicles by checking essential components such as wipers, batteries, tires, and brakes. Additionally, carrying a winter survival kit with items like booster cables, blankets, food, and a snow shovel is advised in case of emergencies.

The Iowa DOT has updated its 511 technology to provide real-time road conditions at www.511ia.org. This includes updates on pavement conditions like "Partially Covered with Ice" or "Completely Covered with Ice." The system also features images from snowplows and roadside cameras to help motorists decide if it is safe to travel.

Last winter saw 36 snowplow collisions due to rear-end or sideswipe accidents. Drivers are reminded to slow down when approaching snow clouds created by plows and maintain a safe distance.

To ensure readiness for snow removal operations, Iowa DOT employs over 1,000 full-time operators and mechanics across its maintenance garages. The department is also hiring temporary workers for the season. They have stocked over 101,000 tons of salt and nearly 25 million gallons of brine for use on highways during adverse weather conditions.

Motorists can access weather updates through various platforms including the Iowa 511 website and mobile app. Notifications about road closures can be received via email or text by subscribing at www.511ia.org.

For further details on winter preparedness or employment opportunities as a part-time snowfighter with pay rates starting at $22 per hour for new hires, interested individuals can visit the Iowa DOT's website or contact Craig Bargfrede at craig.bargfrede@iowadot.us.

Information from this article can be found here.