COUNTY PREPARED FOR SNOW AND ICE SEASON

The DuPage County Division of Transportation is prepared for the snow and ice season notes Don Puchalski, Chairman of the County’s Transportation Committee.   

“While motorists only see our plow trucks out during a snow storm, our transportation team is  hard at work behind the scenes preparing for winter weather,” said Puchalski (District 1).  “Their preparation, hard work and dedication are what help make our roads safe for traveling.” 

With 37 plow trucks, each equipped with a salt spreader, crews are on call 24 hours a day—seven days a week—beginning November 1st in order to maintain the Division’s bare pavement policy.  In order to ensure the roads are clear and safe, the County uses salt and a liquid super mix (a sugar beet based product) to treat roads before, during and after a snow storm.   

The Division of Transportation is responsible for snow and ice removal on all County Highways, such as Warrenville Rd, Army Trail Rd, Naperville Rd, Thorndale Rd, 75th St, and County Farm Rd.   

“Being aware of the road conditions, and cautious of other drivers, is the best defense when traveling on hazardous roads,” said Puchalski.  

The DuPage County Division of Transportation wants to remind motorists that during snow and ice season they should: 

• Adjust their driving to better handle hazardous driving conditions.
   
• Be safe and courteous – exercise safe driving techniques.
   
• Give plow trucks the right of way – stay back at a safe distance, never pass a plow truck on the right.  Plow trucks have blind spots and must move in and out of turning lanes while clearing snow.
   
• Resident should not shovel snow onto the highway, and when a plow truck is approaching, move away from the edge of the roadway.  Aside from slush and snow, road debris can be thrown by the plow.  
   

The DuPage County highway system consists of 950 lane miles and 200 miles of paved shoulders.  All plow drivers are required to maintain a current Commercial Drivers License (CDL).