DelDOT is gearing up for what some are predicting could be another severe winter.
Officials inspected snowplows and other equipment Friday at a DelDOT maintenance yard in Sussex County as part of an annual statewide examination in preparation of the winter season.
DelDOT spokesperson Jim Westhoff said while it’s uncertain how much snow the First State will see this year, it doesn’t stop preparations for severe weather.
“We all have our fingers in the air trying to find out if it’s going to snow, but we have a saying that we’re going to prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” he said. “So right now our salt barns are full, our people are ready and trained and our equipment looks immaculate. We’re ready as we can be, but we’ll see.”
Scott Underkoffler, who operates a snowplow for DelDOT in the winter months, said he expects another severe winter after last season that saw record-breaking snowfall totals in Delaware.
He said the work keeps him away from his family during long and potentially dangerous shifts, but added that the generosity of Delawareans helps to make the job easier.
“My wife worries about out on the road, but we have a great community and the neighbors take care of her when I’m gone,” Underkoffler said.
DelDOT spent more than $17 million on snow removal during the last winter season in Delaware that ranked as one of the snowiest on record.
