MoDOT to hold annual winter operations drill

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KBSI) – The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is holding its annual winter operations drill Thursday, October 19.

Drivers may see numerous MoDOT vehicles on state routes from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

With turnover rates and many positions still open, driver training on this day is critical, according to MoDOT.

MoDOT has 3,000 employees across the state working to clear roads and bridges when winter weather hits. During the drill employees react to a simulated forecast of significant snow for the state. MoDOT’s emergency operations centers will activate, and employees will be deployed to their trucks. Emergency communications systems will also be tested, according to MoDOT.

MoDOT spent $33 million on winter operations last year and used 63,000 tons of salt, 957,000 gallons of salt brine and 147,000 gallons of beet juice.

Up-to-date road conditions on any winter storm can be found at traveler.modot.org.

FOX 23’s Sabrina Winters will have more on the story on Tuesday, October 17 at 9 p.m.