For Immediate Release                                                   
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022  
November 18, 2008

DIVISION OF TRANSPORTATION PREPARING FOR 2008 SNOW AND ICE SEASON

DU PAGE COUNTY— As the days grow shorter and the temperatures turn colder, DuPage County residents are reminded that winter is right around the corner.  With winter comes holiday cheer, time with family, and snow covered roads. 

While there has yet to be a significant snowfall in the region, the DuPage County Division of Transportation is already preparing for the coming snow and ice season notes Pam Rion, Chairwoman of the County’s Transportation Committee.    

“While motorists only see our plow trucks out during a snow storm, our transportation team is already hard at work behind the scenes preparing for the winter season,” said Rion (District 6).  “Their preparation, hard work and dedication are what help make our roads safe for traveling.”

With 40 plow trucks, each equipped with a salt spreader, crews are on call 24 hours a day—seven days a week—beginning November 1^st 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, 75^th 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 Rion.

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).