Monroe County, N.Y. - If all goes as planned, New York State Department of Transportation snow plows can hit every inch of their local roads at least once in two hours. Each truck has a defined circuit they do and they repeat over and over during storms like this until the snow stops.
In Monroe County, there are 34 crews on area roadways with most of the attention focused on I-390, I-490, I-590, & Rt. 104. While they also get to state roads such as Rt. 531 there are other main stretches that the state contracts with local municipalities to plow and maintain. (Example: Jefferson Road in Henrietta)
The crews on the roads Friday afternoon began their shift at Noon and are prepared to continue until Midnight at which point they’ll be removed by rested replacements. The eight to 12 hour shifts will continue through the end of this snow event and for longer until “clean up” work is completed. That is typically the clearing of snow from the shoulder of roadways.
At times like this, keeping up with the accumulation is key as many of the roads were thoroughly salted before the snow fell.
It is also crucial for other drivers to give these plows space. They are big, heavy dump trucks that can only travel about 35 miles-per-hour and you are urged not to attempt to pass them on the roadways.
"As soon as there's an accident or an incident on a state highway we are also stuck in that traffic congestion so whatever everybody can do to keep that traffic moving is most helpful,” said Lori Maher a spokeswoman for the N.Y. State D.O.T. “That means don't drive distracted, put your phone down, reduce your travel speed, that means adjust your travel time.”
If you must hit the roads, you can get the most up to the minute travel information and view live traffic cameras by going to
www.511NY.org.
