DOT says crews are ready for Southcentral's first major snowstorm

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Alaska Department of Transportation leaders say as Southcentral Alaska faces its first major snowstorm of the season, they are better prepared than last season.

“We are in a much better position than we were last winter, both in terms of equipment and manpower,” said DOT Administrative Operations Manager Justin Shelby. “The first snowfall of the season is always the smoothest. That is the biggest concern here, especially because there are still many drivers who may not have their winter tires yet.”

While staffing challenges are always a concern, Shelby says the position of three operators out of 39 is a “good average” for the department’s position at this time of year.

Shelby also highlighted which state highways the DOT is primarily responsible for and which state highways Anchorage city staff oversees.

The state’s web page provides detailed maps showing DOT’s snow plow radius, while Anchorage’s street maintenance web page provides detailed maps of not only DOT areas, but also the status and areas of the municipality’s streets and sidewalks.

“(In Anchorage) we’ll focus on the highways first, and then we’ll move on to other major roads like Dimond and Dowling, etc.,” Shelby said. “We are doing our best to get out and sand intersections, but with the snow continually coming down, conditions will change throughout the day, so slow down, take your time, watch out for other motorists, pedestrians and When you are on the road, make sure you give our operators plenty of room to work.”