News Release for December 22, 2008

For More Information:
Brian Burne, MaineDOT Maintenance and Operations - 207-624-3571
Mark Latti, MaineDOT Office of Communications - 207-624-3030

MaineDOT Urges Motorists To Drive Safely During Winter Storms

Winter in Maine brings snow and icy conditions. Keeping Maine roadways safe for travel requires a balance of public expectations, budgetary and environmental concerns, and safe driving. Our snow plows cannot be everywhere at once. Depending on the type of road, it takes at least one hour, and often longer, for our plow drivers to remove snow along their entire route. Considering how quickly storms and temperatures can change, there are times when travel conditions can be slippery until the plow returns to treat an area. Maine is fortunate to have some of the best snow fighters in the nation, but they need your cooperation.

This winter, when you head out on the roads, please keep in mind these winter driving tips in order to make your trip safer:

• Reduce speed and increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Leave plenty of room for plows and maintenance vehicles.
• Leave early, reduce your speed and expect delays
• Reduce speed on downhill road sections by shifting into a lower gear.
• Use brakes carefully, applying them early and gently.
• Turn on your headlights so you can see and be seen.
• Keep a cold-weather emergency kit in your vehicle
  

As the state of Maine’s budget challenges continue, MaineDOT continues its efforts to reduce non-essential expenses wherever possible while assuring that Maine’s highways remain clear and safe.

Although salt costs have risen from $58 to $72 and carbide plow blades increased from $30 per foot to $50 per foot, MaineDOT has budgeted for a typical winter’s usage of materials. The winter roadway condition standards set forth for Maine’s state highways remain the same as they have in recent years. High priority roads that carry the majority of the traffic (such as the interstate system and the major corridors that connect our urban areas) have shorter plow routes and will be cleared quicker. Roads with less traffic and lower speeds have longer plow routes and will take longer to clear after a storm. Based upon storm conditions, and between the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m., MaineDOT does reduce staffing levels, stretches out plow routes, and attempts to allow MaineDOT snow fighters to rest in time for the start of the morning commute. This year, emphasis has been placed on continuously meeting roadway standards and eliminating any costs associated with exceeding those standards. Crews have been directed to minimize pushing back snow banks following smaller storms to reduce truck usage and blade wear. They have also been directed to reduce engine idling and the amount of scraping done during storms having lighter accumulations.

As is the case with previous years, MaineDOT continues to refine its operations to ensure efficient use of our resources. This year we have reduced some of the all-night road condition patrols in rural areas. We have offset many of these changes with early morning patrols that begin at 3:30 a.m. to assure the commuter routes are prepared for the morning traffic.

Last winter, much of the Northeast region experienced a road salt shortage due to the frequency of storms. Currently, there is not a shortage of road salt in New England. At MaineDOT, our salt storage sheds are stocked, and our suppliers have informed us that their supplies are sufficient.

For more information about MaineDOT and winter road maintenance, visit www.mainedot.gov.

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