KDOT Winter Maintenance & Operations 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the 'spreading width' setting on a plow truck spreader, and why is it important?
- The width of the plow blade
- The lateral distance over which material is distributed, affecting coverage and application rate (Correct answer)
- The maximum speed of material discharge
- The height of the spreader chute
Correct answer: The lateral distance over which material is distributed, affecting coverage and application rate
Spreading width determines how far material is thrown across the lane, and calibrating it correctly ensures uniform coverage without waste or under-treatment.
Question 2: Under KDOT guidelines, when should a plow operator reduce speed during operations?
- Only during night operations
- In heavy snow, reduced visibility, high winds, and congested traffic areas (Correct answer)
- Only on curves
- When approaching toll booths
Correct answer: In heavy snow, reduced visibility, high winds, and congested traffic areas
Multiple hazardous conditions require reduced plow speed to maintain operator safety and equipment control, including poor visibility and traffic congestion.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'snow gate' or hinged plow section used in urban winter maintenance?
- It blocks snow from entering storm drains
- It prevents material from being pushed onto driveways and intersections (Correct answer)
- It raises the plow blade over railroad crossings
- It seals the plow against the curb
Correct answer: It prevents material from being pushed onto driveways and intersections
A snow gate is a hinged section at the end of the plow that can be raised at intersections and driveways to avoid depositing windrows in those locations.
Question 4: How does cold weather affect hydraulic systems on plow trucks?
- Hydraulic fluid becomes thinner, increasing pressure
- Hydraulic fluid thickens, slowing response time and reducing efficiency until warmed up (Correct answer)
- Cold has no effect on hydraulic systems
- Hydraulic fluid freezes and must be replaced each winter
Correct answer: Hydraulic fluid thickens, slowing response time and reducing efficiency until warmed up
Cold temperatures increase hydraulic fluid viscosity, causing sluggish plow and spreader response until the system reaches operating temperature.
Question 5: What environmental concern is associated with high chloride levels from road salt runoff?
- It increases soil pH to beneficial levels
- It can damage vegetation, contaminate groundwater, and harm aquatic life in streams (Correct answer)
- It improves pavement bonding
- It attracts wildlife to roadsides beneficially
Correct answer: It can damage vegetation, contaminate groundwater, and harm aquatic life in streams
Chloride runoff from road salt can kill roadside vegetation, leach into groundwater, and elevate chloride levels in nearby streams to toxic levels for aquatic organisms.
Question 6: What is the primary function of a snow berm or windrow left at the side of the road after plowing?
- It permanently improves road drainage
- It is an unavoidable byproduct but can block sight lines and driveways and must be managed (Correct answer)
- It provides a traction surface for vehicles
- It prevents roadway erosion
Correct answer: It is an unavoidable byproduct but can block sight lines and driveways and must be managed
Windrows are an unavoidable result of plowing and can obstruct driveways, intersections, and sight lines, requiring follow-up work to clear or manage them.
Question 7: What is the recommended practice when a KDOT plow truck operator encounters a stranded motorist on a snow-covered highway?
- Stop immediately and assist directly
- Continue operations and report the location to dispatch for emergency services response (Correct answer)
- Use the plow to clear a path around the vehicle only
- Turn on hazard lights and wait for the motorist to move
Correct answer: Continue operations and report the location to dispatch for emergency services response
Plow operators should report stranded motorists to dispatch and continue operations, as stopping in live traffic on a snow-covered road creates additional hazards.
KDOT Winter Maintenance & Operations 5
What is the 'spreading width' setting on a plow truck spreader, and why is it important?