Turnpike staff prepares snowplows for winter

Charles Cyrill
·2 min read

ELMORE – In preparation for the upcoming winter driving season, employees from the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission spent last week performing a 136-point inspection of all snowplow trucks and equipment at eight facilities, including the Elmore Maintenance Building in Ottawa County.

Ohio Turnpike staff inspect a snowplow truck at the Elmore Maintenance Building in Ottawa County on Friday.
Ohio Turnpike staff inspect a snowplow truck at the Elmore Maintenance Building in Ottawa County on Friday.

The maintenance checklist includes an inspection of all engine parts, plowing equipment, tires, lights, and other components as well as a test calibration of the salt and liquid de-icing systems.

“The importance of these inspections is to make sure the snowplow trucks are ready to go for the safety of our patrons who rely on the Ohio Turnpike for their travel needs,” said Jeff Landel, superintendent of the Ohio Turnpike’s Western Division, which includes the maintenance facilities in Pioneer, Swanton, Elmore and Castalia. “It’s all about the readiness of the fleet.”

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Landel, a resident of Edgerton, Ohio, began his career with the Ohio Turnpike as a maintenance/roadway worker, which included snowplow duties, in 1996.

“It’s been a rewarding career,” added Landel, who climbed the ranks with several job promotions over more than two decades to become superintendent in 2021.

Jeff Landel, superintendent of the Ohio Turnpike’s Western Division, which includes the maintenance facilities in Pioneer, Swanton, Elmore, and Castalia, oversees snowplow truck inspections.
Jeff Landel, superintendent of the Ohio Turnpike’s Western Division, which includes the maintenance facilities in Pioneer, Swanton, Elmore, and Castalia, oversees snowplow truck inspections.

This year, more than 100 snowplow trucks at eight maintenance buildings will be available to maintain the Ohio Turnpike’s 1,395 lane miles, 31 toll plaza interchanges, and 14 service plazas across 13 counties in northern Ohio. Each facility maintains a 30-mile stretch of the 241-mile toll road.

“Motorists should take every precaution to avoid passing snowplow trucks and allow extra space for the drivers to clear the road,” said Ferzan Ahmed, executive director of the turnpike commission in Berea. “Don’t crowd the plow. The safest place to be is behind a snowplow truck.”

Blizzard Wizard, the snowplow truck on the right, was named in last year’s Ohio Turnpike Name-a-Snowplow contest after the Elmore Maintenance turnpike plow drivers in Ottawa County.
Blizzard Wizard, the snowplow truck on the right, was named in last year’s Ohio Turnpike Name-a-Snowplow contest after the Elmore Maintenance turnpike plow drivers in Ottawa County.

When required, the Ohio Turnpike’s maintenance/roadway crews will work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week to provide travelers with a safe and reliable roadway during the winter season, Ahmed added.

“The entire 241-mile Ohio Turnpike can be plowed once per hour with the current staffing and equipment levels,” Ahmed said. “During winter storms, motorists should consider traveling only when necessary.”

If your vehicle breaks down or you are involved in a crash, turn on your hazard lights, move your vehicle as far off the roadway as possible, remain in the vehicle, and dial #677 for assistance in Ohio.

Charles Cyrill is the Interim MARCOM Director/Public Information Officer for the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.

This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Snowplows inspected, equipped for Ohio Turnpike winter driving season