VTrans Readies 250 Plow Trucks for Winter
Vermont's transportation agency is outfitting its fleet with plows, wings and liquid salt systems ahead of expected snowfall.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Trucks
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The Vermont Agency of Transportation is preparing its roughly 250 plow trucks for winter, mounting plows and wings and installing liquid salt systems. Crews are also trimming trees so sunlight can reach roadways.
Why it matters
The plow fleet clears thousands of miles of Vermont highways, and the preparations come as colder temperatures are forecast to bring snowfall. Readiness of the fleet directly affects how quickly roads are cleared across the state.
VTrans operates about 250 plow trucks, with liquid salt tanks holding around 1,200 gallons each and mixed at a 23.3 concentration of water and salt. Plow drivers go on call 24/7 beginning December 1.
The players
Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans)
The state agency responsible for maintaining Vermont's highways, including snow clearing and winter road operations.
The details
Crews are mounting plows and wings on trucks and installing liquid salt systems, with tanks mounted in the back of tandem dump trucks. Liquid salt is sprayed onto granular dry salt as it exits the truck, and the trucks clear snow and apply salt brine and sand.
Timeline
Preparation for this winter began after last winter ended.
Plow drivers go on call 24/7 starting December 1.
Roadmap
VTrans's annual winter cycle begins each year with fleet preparation once the prior season ends, and this year's work follows that established pattern. The current preparations extend the agency's routine readiness steps ahead of December 1, when crews go on call around the clock.
Drivers on Vermont highways can expect plow and salt operations to ramp up once snow arrives, with the fleet's readiness shaping how quickly roads are cleared. Plow drivers on call around the clock starting December 1 means road crews will be available through the night during storms.
The takeaway
Vermont drivers should expect snow-clearing crews to be active around the clock after December 1, so allowing extra time for winter travel is a practical step. Checking road conditions before heading out can help avoid delays during storms.
What happens next
Plow drivers go on call 24/7 starting December 1, when the state's winter operations formally shift into full readiness.
Further reading
Explore more on Vermont trucks coverage for related fleet and winter-readiness reporting.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Wcax.
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