MoDOT gears up for winter with annual weather drills

ST. LOUIS – The Missouri Department of Transportation is getting ready for the upcoming winter season with its annual winter operations drills.

The drills will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and Thursday, Oct. 10, throughout the St. Louis area. Drivers may notice an increased number of MoDOT vehicles traveling along state highways and routes starting at 9 a.m. each day.

MoDOT’s goal is to make sure snowplow drivers are fully prepared before winter weather arrives. These practice runs allow operators to familiarize themselves with their equipment and the roads, making it easier to respond quickly and efficiently when snow and ice begin to accumulate. The training is especially crucial this year, as many operators are relatively new.

In addition to the drills, MoDOT will host a press conference on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at the Ballas Maintenance Facility, located at 12001 North Forty Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141.

The press conference will feature MoDOT leadership along with representatives from the National Weather Service, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and the Illinois Department of Transportation. Officials will discuss winter weather predictions and outline preparations for keeping Missouri’s roads clear and safe.

MoDOT also reminds the public to stay informed when winter weather is in the forecast. For now, be on the lookout for MoDOT snow vehicles on the roads during these drills and give them plenty of space to operate safely.

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