Thruway Authority and NYDOT Are Prepared For The Upcoming Winter

The State of New York has made an effort to be more prepared for winter this year statewide. Governor Andrew Cuomo announced, in a press release, the adding of more than 100 "snow fighting vehicles" to help clear roadways and highways this upcoming winter. Governor Cuomo spoke of the joint effort between the Thruway Authority and State DOT,

"As winter weather becomes increasingly more difficult to predict, state agencies are doing everything necessary to be prepared to deploy resources and personnel to keep roads clear and motorists safe. With enhanced monitoring capabilities and additional plows and equipment at the ready, New York is prepared to battle tough snow conditions, while keeping both residents and visitors out of harm's way."

The Thruway Authority has added 55 large plows and has taken ownership of 30 snow plows from the state DOT. They've also purchased 10 new 7-ton vehicles, and repurposed 15 7-ton trucks. WNY will also see for the first time on a regular basis some of the new tow behind plows that were purchased. These tow behind plows are "hydraulically adjusted to swing out to the side of the truck, allowing trucks to clear up to two lanes at once."

In addition to the new vehicles, more fueling sites and salt sheds have been added along thruway to help quicken reloading and refueling during high activity times helping with the response times.

New Fueling Stations in the Buffalo Region

• Dunkirk
• Hamburg
• Lackawanna
• Le Roy
• Victor
• Newstead (Milepost 409)

New Salt Sheds in the Buffalo Region

• Lackawanna

The Thruway Authority also announced they are hiring for seasonal and full-time employees for the upcoming winter season.  Employment opportunities include seasonal snow plow drivers and Thruway maintenance workers.

Details on minimum requirements for both positions, such as a valid CDL, as well as application information, are available at www.thruway.ny.gov or call toll free: 1-800-525-3586.

Read the full press release and see the full statewide effort for the upcoming winter HERE.