Getting Ready For Winter

DelDOT employees participate in annual snow plow inspection

Middletown -- Looking like they just rolled off the assembly line, hundreds of trucks and tractors owned by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) are being lined up and inspected as part of DelDOT's preparations for the snow season.

Statewide, about 450 pieces of equipment are inspected every fall, when mechanics look for everything from tire wear to lights, while also checking to make sure that every part of the truck or tractor works perfectly.

"We ask a lot of our people and our equipment, so it's important to make sure that we keep our equipment in excellent condition," said DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt. "I've visited many of the inspections this year, and I'm pleased to see that our equipment, and our people, are ready for the winter."

Bhatt said he's been impressed by the maintenance of the equipment. "The taxpayers would be proud to see the amazing condition of these trucks," he said. "We take meticulous care of our equipment so that we can operate them for many years. I've seen trucks that look like they drove right from the showroom floor, only to learn that the truck has been through six, seven or eight winters. Our equipment operators and mechanics deserve a great deal of thanks. It's truly a privilege to be their secretary."

The inspections started at the Harrington Maintenance Yard on November 2, and will end November 17th at the Bear Maintenance Yard.