MnDOT to host snowplow operator training in Marshall Aug. 18-28 in preparation for winter
WILLMAR, Minn. —The Minnesota Department of Transportation will host an intensive two-week Snowplow Operator Training program Aug. 18-28 at the Marshall MERIT Center to prepare new operators for the upcoming winter season.
New snowplow operators from Southwest Minnesota will take part in the training, which will combine classroom instruction with hands-on training experience. Topics will include snowplow operation, safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and effective plowing techniques.
While snow may be months away, the training will focus on essential skills for safely operating large plow trucks and using advanced tools to help operators make informed decisions on best treatment materials and quantities based on real-time road and weather conditions.
Participants will also practice navigating plow trucks equipped with plow blades and wings through a coned obstacle course and will drive local state highways to help them refine their maneuvering and decision-making skills in a controlled environment.
The training will be led by experienced MnDOT maintenance supervisors and trainers.
MnDOT has more than 120 snowplow operators in Southwest Minnesota who operate 49 trucks and maintain 2,930 lane miles of state highways each winter.
Travelers can sign up for email or text travel alerts for state highways at mndot.gov/d8. Under the “Connect with us” section click “Email and text updates”, then select “Southwest MN” under the “Travel Alerts”.
Stay connected
- Learn about current studies and projects in southwest MN at mndot.gov/d8/projects.
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