State officials in Harrisburg outlined winter travel preparations, detailing emergency management plans, expanded driver safety technology and seasonal employment openings.
The Shapiro Administration has budgeted more than $219.5 million for statewide winter operations.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation maintains approximately 40,000 miles of state roadway using nearly 4,700 on-the-road workers. The agency has stocked more than 622,000 tons of salt statewide to manage icy and snow-covered highways.
Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield emphasized that public readiness is critical during severe weather.
“Winter weather in Pennsylvania can be unpredictable and state agencies are ready for it, but the public also plays an important role in safety on the roads during inclement weather and we want them to be prepared as well,” Padfield said. “Checking the forecast and road conditions before heading out, having multiple ways to get weather alerts and having basic supplies in your vehicle can make a difference in getting to your destination safely.”
Padfield recommended that drivers carry nonperishable food, water, warm clothing, blankets, phone chargers, snow scrapers and specialized supplies for children or pets in their vehicles. He also noted the distinction between weather alerts issued by forecasters.
“A watch means there is increased risk of a hazardous weather event, but its occurrence, location, or timing is still uncertain,” Padfield said. “A warning means the weather event is imminent or is happening. Take immediate action to protect lives and property.”
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll highlighted the department’s operations and ongoing recruitment efforts.
“Winter road maintenance is a core part of PennDOT’s mission and the department has not only made its usual seasonal preparations but also continued to find new ways to help the public navigate winter travel,” Carroll said. “Keeping our roads as safe as possible is a team effort and we’d love to have people join our team – sitting in our plow trucks, but also as our teammates in getting everyone home safely each day.” PennDOT is actively hiring temporary equipment operators holding a Commercial Driver’s License, along with mechanics, welders and clerks.
To assist drivers, PennDOT is expanding automated weather messaging corridors to major interstates following a pilot program on Interstates 79 and 90 in Erie County. These roadside systems automatically display warning messages when sensor readings detect low visibility, heavy snow or reduced pavement friction. PennDOT plow trucks and Freeway Service Patrol vehicles will also appear in Waze under the “Roadside Hazard” category. Additionally, the department partnered with Fleetworthy to transmit vehicle restriction warnings directly to commercial truck drivers approaching restricted interchanges. Motorists can view live plow locations on 511PA, which tracks more than 2,700 department-owned and rented trucks using Automated Vehicle Location technology.
Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission CEO Mark Compton outlined turnpike resources, noting that more than 600 equipment operators, traffic operators and safety patrol personnel are assigned to 24/seven winter operations. The system is bringing back “Plow Force One,” a 550-horsepower snowplow capable of clearing more than two lanes of snow in a single pass. Motorists on the turnpike can dial *11 for emergency assistance or text INFO to 47676 during traffic backups.
“Safety is our top priority and we take pride in keeping the PA Turnpike open and moving throughout the winter,” Compton said. “While our crews work around the clock to keep the roadway safe and clear, winter safety is a shared responsibility.”
State crash records from last winter show 8,919 crashes on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roads, resulting in 36 fatalities and 3,251 injuries. According to preliminary data, 12 of the individuals killed were not wearing seat belts, while 15 fatalities occurred in crashes caused by driving too fast for conditions.
PennDOT will continue taking salt deliveries across the state throughout the winter. Maintenance sheds along the Pennsylvania Turnpike system are currently completing winter equipment inspections.
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