Illinois transportation crews prepare for winter weather

MILAN, Ill. (KWQC) – The Illinois Department of Transportation held a “Winter Weather, Get It Together” event Tuesday as crews prepare for the upcoming winter season.

Crews want drivers to pay extra attention to crews working to clear roads during winter weather events.

“Definitely just keep in mind, slow down when you see our trucks,” Devin McNeill, Illinois DOT lead worker at the Silvis yard said. “Our drivers are doing multiple things while they’re operating the trucks so they can’t see everywhere.”

He also said drivers should be patient.

Crews in District 2, which covers several counties in northwest Illinois, have nearly 4,100 miles of roads to plow.

Guidelines from the Illinois Department of Transportation:

• Give yourself extra time for trips
• Slow down and increase the distance between other vehicles
• Prepare an emergency kits with jumper cable, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper, traction material, blankets, food and a first-aid kit
• Keep a cellphone charger in your vehcile
• Check your battery, tires, lights, charging system and belts
• Look out for black ice and slippery conditions, even with no snow
• Be careful at intersections, ramps, bridges and shady areas
• Don’t travel in bad weather unless you have to. If you do, share your route and check the forecast
• Give plows and other equipment treating the roads space

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