Missouri Conducted Annual Winter Training Exercise

The Missouri Department of Transportation held a statewide drill to prepare for upcoming winter road conditions.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Current Conditions

Isometric editorial illustration of a heavy-duty yellow salt-spreader plow sitting on a flat maintenance yard pad. — The Missouri Department of Transportation completed a three-day statewide winter training exercise this week, testing emergency protocols for upcoming snow operations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Do you trust that your local transportation department is prepared for upcoming winter weather emergencies?

MoDOT employees participated in an annual winter operations training exercise from October 13 to October 15. The drill utilized a simulated major snowfall forecast to test communication systems and activate emergency operations centers.

Why it matters

The training is designed to prepare snowplow operators for winter weather before road conditions deteriorate. This is particularly important following recent seasons that featured a lower frequency of major snow events.

During the previous winter, MoDOT utilized 67,000 tons of salt, 1.3 million gallons of salt brine, and 152,000 gallons of beet juice. The department spent over $46 million on operations during the 2025-2026 season.

The players

Missouri Department of Transportation

This state agency is responsible for the construction, maintenance, and operation of Missouri's extensive network of state highways and infrastructure.

The details

The exercise ensures that 3,000 employees are ready to manage roadways efficiently. By responding to simulated storm scenarios, teams can identify potential gaps in their emergency protocols and ensure all equipment is functional.

The training exercise took place from October 13 to October 15, 2026.
During the 2025-2026 winter season, MoDOT spent over $46 million on operations.

Seasonal Patterns

This training exercise serves as a mitigation strategy against the historical trend of limited major snow events in Missouri. It ensures that critical operational readiness is maintained despite significant year-to-year variability in seasonal snowfall totals.

Drivers should ensure their vehicles are equipped for winter travel before the first storm arrives. Residents can monitor official MoDOT channels to receive timely updates on road closures and treatment status during severe weather events.

The takeaway

Maintaining operator readiness is essential for safe winter travel on state highways. Drivers can improve their own safety by keeping emergency kits in their vehicles and adjusting travel speeds once the first winter storms hit.