MnDOT to host two-week snowplow operator training in Mankato Aug. 11-22 in preparation for winter

MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Transportation will host an intensive two-week Snowplow Operator Training (SPOT) program Aug. 11-22 at its Mankato facility to prepare new operators for the upcoming winter season.
Approximately 12 new snowplow operators from South Central Minnesota will take part in the training, which will combine classroom instruction with hands-on training experience. Topics will include snowplow operation, safety procedures, equipment maintenance, and effective plowing techniques.

While snow may be months away, the training will focus on essential skills for safely operating large plow trucks and using advanced tools to help operators make informed decisions on proper treatment materials and quantities based on real-time road and weather conditions.

Participants will also practice navigating plow trucks equipped with plow blades and wings through a coned obstacle course in the MnDOT parking lot in Mankato and will drive local state highways to help them refine their maneuvering and decision-making skills in a controlled environment.

“Our snowplow operators play a vital role in keeping South Central Minnesota’s highways safe each winter,” said Scott Morgan, Assistant District Engineer for Maintenance Operations. “This training will ensure they are ready to respond safety and effectively to Minnesota’s unpredictable winter conditions.”

The SPOT training will be led by experienced MnDOT maintenance supervisors and trainers.

MnDOT has over 170 snowplow operators in South Central Minnesota who operate 83 trucks and maintain 3,264 lane miles of state highways each winter.

Stay Informed This Winter

Motorists can sign up for email or text travel alerts for state highways at mndot.gov/d7. Under the “Connect with us” section click “Email and text updates”, then select “South Central MN” under the “Travel Alerts”.

###