Plowing ahead
BUTLER TWP — Breaking down in sub-zero temperatures during a storm that continues to cover the roads in white is an ever-present waking nightmare for some snowplow drivers.
“The last thing we need is something breaking down in the middle of a storm,” Carl Hays said. “What we're trying to do today is to avoid those things from happening.”
Hays works as the equipment manager for the PennDOT Butler County Maintenance Office on New Castle Road in the township. He and the county's operators were joined by equipment managers from other regional counties Thursday, as part of PennDOT's annual winter equipment inspection. The group of managers rotates to each county to assist one another with the work.
The group worked with local equipment operators to inspect each of the county's winter vehicles, including 42 plow trucks.
Mike Mattis, Butler County maintenance manager, said his staff worked to prepare all the equipment they will need this winter. They installed tire chains and plows, in addition to performing inspections.
Hays said he and his colleagues were looking for things that could cause problems down the road, like tainted hydraulic lines, faulty lights and worn tires.
“What they're looking for are any safety problems,” he said.
Hays said it's also important to make sure their salt spreaders are functioning properly because malfunctions could cause discrepancies in the salt coverage on the road and the amount used. Last year the operators needed 19,937 tons of salt and 281,208 gallons of brine to keep the roads clear.
“The big thing is making sure the things we're fighting the snow with are working properly.”
Hays said this year's inspection went well, even discovering a few minor issues with some of the vehicles.
“(The trucks) are in the garage, and we're already working on them,” he said.
Hays said the inspections are a lot to get done in one day, but the coverage of more than 1,600 snow lane miles depends on each vehicle's durability throughout the winter months. He said it is well worth the effort.“It's probably the busiest three weeks all year,” he said.Mattis said his staff handles the demand well because they understand the importance of each truck being usable during the coming season. He said one disabled truck creates a big strain on those that remain.“It's very crucial that we have good employees who care about their job,” Mattis said. “We have a great staff that gets these trucks ready.”Mattis said his staff takes ownership of their assignments, and they feel a sense of accountability for the roads' conditions.“None of these operators want to see accidents on any of the roads they cover,” he said. “They take pride in that.”He said they also take it personally.“Their families drive on these roads too,” Mattis said.
