COLORADO (KREX) – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has significantly reduced its snow plow driver vacancy rate from 30% to 11.3% statewide, marking the lowest level since 2020.

“COVID really took the wind out of our sail. You know, we are sitting at 30% vacancy rate. So we started doing different initiatives, from post-COVID era when everybody was allowed to start coming back to work,” said Shawn Smith, director for the Division of Maintenance and Operations at CDOT.

Smith explained that CDOT operates 900 snow plows with a workforce of 1,600. However, during major snow events, only about 800 plows can be operational due to 12-hour shifts and maintenance requirements.

Last year, CDOT faced challenges because they didn’t have enough plows to manage traffic effectively during severe weather. This year, with the improved staffing levels, they aim to have more plows operating and ensure all traffic employees are involved during these events. Smith also highlighted that shutting down the system involves more than just snowplow operators.

A dedicated team in Denver Metro assists by staffing road closure points, which is essential because if a snowplow is pulled from duty for closures, it cannot effectively clear the roads.

With the current staffing improvements, CDOT is better positioned to handle winter road conditions, ensuring safer travel on Colorado’s roads. “It’s going great right now. I think the applicants that we’re getting are coming for the right reasons. They want to be in public service,” Smith noted, reflecting on the positive changes in the department’s workforce.

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