Little Rock, Arkansas – The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) Winter Weather Strike Team is preparing for the cold months ahead by conducting a critical training exercise on Wednesday, October 23, in central Arkansas. This annual drill will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and aims to ensure that all personnel, equipment, and communication systems are prepared to respond efficiently to winter weather events.
Training for Winter Readiness
During the exercise, drivers will undergo specialized training, equipment checks will be performed, and snowplow trucks will be tested on the roads. ARDOT’s Emergency Operations Center will also participate, operating in exercise mode to simulate real-time conditions and ensure seamless communication during future storms.
Michael Kelly, ARDOT’s Staff Maintenance Engineer and Emergency Management Liaison Officer, highlighted the importance of preparation: “It is crucial that we do everything we can to be prepared when winter weather hits. This exercise will help us see both our strengths and areas for improvement. It’s our job to keep our roadways safe, and we take that responsibility seriously.”
The Winter Weather Strike Team consists of dozens of field personnel drawn from ARDOT’s statewide maintenance crews. In an actual weather emergency, the team will work around the clock to clear snow and ice from interstates and highways while providing real-time updates to ARDOT’s Maintenance Division at the Central Office in Little Rock.
Stockpiling Resources for Winter
To prepare for winter, ARDOT stores approximately 75,000 cubic yards of salt in facilities spread across the state. These salt storage facilities are refilled every summer to ensure they are fully stocked ahead of the winter season. ARDOT also manages a fleet of approximately 600 snowplows, which are stationed at county maintenance headquarters and district offices across Arkansas.
Deric Wyatt, ARDOT’s State Maintenance Engineer, discussed the agency’s focus on cost-efficiency and modern technology: “As deicing material costs continue to increase, we are always looking for ways to be more efficient and effective, which is leading us to use more liquids for deicing during and after an event. The use of technology is also playing a bigger role in our operations to document our activities and provide real-time data and feedback to make needed changes in a more timely manner to keep traffic moving and clear our roadways as quickly as possible.”
Technology Enhances Road Safety
ARDOT uses advanced Weather Sensor Stations installed on approximately 36 bridge structures throughout the state to monitor air and pavement temperatures, as well as detect the presence of moisture, whether liquid or frozen. These sensors provide essential data to guide snow-clearing efforts and ensure that hazardous road conditions are addressed promptly.
Real-time information about road conditions is shared with the public through the IDriveArkansas.com website and mobile app. Maintenance staff update road conditions every two hours during snow events until the roads are cleared. In addition, ARDOT provides access to almost 400 live traffic cameras across the state, allowing the public to monitor current conditions through the website and app.
Proactive Measures for Efficient Operations
In addition to the training exercise, ARDOT maintains a proactive approach to winter weather by conducting regular preparedness meetings and testing winter-related features on the IDriveArkansas.com platform. These efforts help ensure that ARDOT is ready to respond swiftly to snow and ice, minimizing disruptions for travelers.
The Winter Weather Strike Team plays a vital role in Arkansas’ winter weather strategy, supplementing other maintenance forces to maintain road safety. Their efforts ensure that traffic continues to flow smoothly, even during severe weather events.
With thorough preparation, advanced technology, and dedicated personnel, ARDOT is well-equipped to manage the challenges of winter weather, keeping Arkansas travelers safe and informed throughout the season.
