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Randall Jeppesen, KSL Newsradio UDOT is busy getting all its snow removal gear ready to go.
With today's weather it's hard to imagine snow-filled streets, but ask a snowplow driver. "I predict we're going to have a pretty decent winter," UDOT's Juan Galindo said.
Galindo has been busy fitting his and other trucks with plows. At their shed by the spaghetti bowl, they're moving a big pile of salt. "[It's] 1,500 ton; we could probably go through half that pile in just one storm," Galindo said.
Utah spends over $17 million a year to run 487 snowplows. That clears off roughly 65 million tons of snow a year.
UDOT reminds the public about following safety patterns and changing driving behaviors through the upcoming winter season as part of the efforts organized during the 2007 Winter Weather Preparedness Week.
"We are ready for this season's snow storms", said Lynn Bernhard, UDOT Maintenance Methods Engineer. "We want the public to be aware of what it takes to keep our roads clear, and we need their cooperation while we run our snow removal operations out on the roads."
About 140,000 tons of salt have already been delivered and UDOT expects that after the winter season ends it will have utilized 210,000 tons. Salt use in the state has been reduced by 6% over the last 3 years due to more efficient applications, and better use of technology, said Bernhard.
"Slowing down during inclement weather and allowing enough space for our snowplows to do their jobs, will be key to ensure the driving public a safe commute," added Bernhard.
