Snow plow crews getting ready for winter

New York – As winter and snow are coming, for transportation officials making sure roads are clear is priority #1.

According to transportation officials, who deal with staffing issues, each year it’s a challenge. There are millions of miles of roads to be cleared across Upstate New York as lake effect snow and winter weather impacts travel across Central New York and the Finger Lakes.

“You go into winter with the staff and you have not the staffing you want,” Marty Voss said. He’s with the Onondaga County Department of Transportation, who’s already had winter weather protocols activated this season. “We’re always looking for good people who want to drive a truck and who have a (commercial drivers license).”

Last year positive COVID cases and the coronavirus pandemic left some local departments short-staffed for a majority of the winter season.

According to transportation officials, the best thing motorists can do for them remains cautious when the weather turns snowy, and give snowplows plenty of space.