KDOT Winter Maintenance & Operations 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When plowing a multi-lane highway, what is the standard direction of snow discharge from the plow blade?
- Toward the center median
- To the right shoulder side (Correct answer)
- Alternating left and right
- Straight ahead
Correct answer: To the right shoulder side
Snow is typically discharged to the right (toward the shoulder) to keep it off travel lanes and away from oncoming traffic.
Question 2: What is 'black ice' and why is it especially dangerous?
- Dark-colored asphalt that absorbs heat
- A thin transparent layer of ice nearly invisible to drivers (Correct answer)
- Ice mixed with road debris
- Ice that forms only at night
Correct answer: A thin transparent layer of ice nearly invisible to drivers
Black ice is a thin, nearly transparent glaze of ice on the pavement that is extremely difficult for drivers to detect, making it particularly hazardous.
Question 3: Which road feature is most prone to icing before adjacent road sections during cold weather?
- Asphalt pavement sections
- Bridge decks and overpasses (Correct answer)
- Concrete tunnels
- Downhill grades
Correct answer: Bridge decks and overpasses
Bridge decks freeze before adjacent roads because cold air can circulate both above and below the structure, removing heat faster than ground-insulated pavement.
Question 4: In KDOT winter operations, what does RWIS stand for?
- Road Weather Information System (Correct answer)
- Regional Winter Ice Survey
- Roadway Winter Infrastructure Standard
- Remote Weather Inspection Station
Correct answer: Road Weather Information System
RWIS (Road Weather Information System) provides real-time data on pavement temperature, air temperature, and precipitation to support winter maintenance decisions.
Question 5: What is the primary hazard to consider when operating a plow truck near highway barriers and guardrails?
- Tire blowout from debris
- Blade contact causing damage to barrier and truck (Correct answer)
- Reduced visibility from barrier shadows
- Ice buildup on the barrier
Correct answer: Blade contact causing damage to barrier and truck
Plow blades can strike barriers and guardrails, causing costly damage to highway infrastructure and the truck if not properly adjusted.
Question 6: At what wind speed does blowing and drifting snow typically become a significant highway hazard in Kansas?
- 10 mph
- 20 mph (Correct answer)
- 30 mph
- 40 mph
Correct answer: 20 mph
Wind speeds of 20 mph or greater can cause significant blowing and drifting of loose snow, reducing visibility and re-covering cleared roads rapidly.
Question 7: What is the purpose of calcium magnesium acetate (CMA) in winter road maintenance?
- It is a low-corrosion alternative de-icer used near environmentally sensitive areas (Correct answer)
- It provides traction like sand
- It is used exclusively on airport runways
- It raises the freezing point of water more than salt
Correct answer: It is a low-corrosion alternative de-icer used near environmentally sensitive areas
CMA is an environmentally friendlier de-icing alternative that is less corrosive to infrastructure and less harmful to vegetation and water bodies.
KDOT Winter Maintenance & Operations 3
When plowing a multi-lane highway, what is the standard direction of snow discharge from the plow blade?