ODOT: Winter most expensive in memory?

Van Wert independent/ODOT information

LIMA — The forecast says snow is coming … again.

For a motorist, that may bring a feeling of dread. But for plow operators with the Ohio Department of Transportation, it’s an opportunity to carry out the department’s signature service – snow and ice control.

Within the eight-county region of ODOT District 1, approximately 194 drivers rotate operation of approximately 124 trucks during the course of a winter storm.

ODOT District 1 encompasses Allen, Defiance, Hancock, Hardin, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert and Wyandot counties.

This winter has been the most expensive in recent memory in terms of costs, but the human side of the winter cannot be told in dollars.

“To date, the average number of hours worked per plow operator in snow and ice operations is over 250 hours and the average number of miles driven per driver is 7,400,” said Kirk Slusher, Ohio Department of Transportation District 1 deputy director.

Another telling statistic is that, since the first snow event in mid-November, ODOT crews have been in trucks on the highways combating ice and snow 43 of the last 90 days and have driven over 1 million miles.

“For much of our workforce, this winter has resulted in more hours spent at work than at home,” he said. “Their response to this winter has been phenomenal. They have answered the call and will continue to do so until winter ends.”

ODOT drivers are well prepared for winters such as this by attending an annual snow and ice school. In addition, newer drivers spend several hours in the truck with a mentor until they gain needed knowledge. “This winter has been challenging but also educational. We have newer drivers who have gained experience in snow and ice control that some of their coworkers waited years to get,” said Slusher.

Within the eight-county region of ODOT District 1, the worst winter in recent memory in terms of cost was the winter of 2010-2011, which totaled $5.58 million for snow and ice control costs. So far this winter, the district has spent $6.9 million in snow-removal costs.