The Ohio Turnpike Commission is addressing an issue that arose with a snowplow operator on January 23.
“During our snow and ice operations, a plow truck driver was traveling westbound plowing snow in the left lane and in the left shoulder with the wing plow deployed,” said Ferzan Ahmed, executive director of the Ohio Turnpike and infrastructure commission.
“Beginning near the 117 milepost, which is close to the State Route 250 interchange, the plow truck operator was throwing snow, ice and slush over the median divider wall onto oncoming traffic. This appears to have occurred over a couple miles, resulting in damage to approximately 40 cars and trucks, causing accidents, and unfortunately injuries.”
“The Ohio Highway Patrol, Ohio Turnpike maintenance and disabled vehicle service companies–Interstate Towing and Madison Motor Service–assisted in removing vehicles from the turnpike.
Turnpike customers were taken to the patrol post in Milan, as well as a local restaurant and hotel.
“We are coordinating our efforts with the Ohio Highway Patrol and are currently contacting each customer directly who was affected by the snowplow incident,” Mr. Ahmed said.
Individuals wishing to file a property damage claim with the Ohio Turnpike should do so on the website: ohioturn pike.org/travelers/propertydamage-claim.
The executive director said the employee was immediately removed from shift and sent for mandatory drug and alcohol testing. The employee is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of investigations at which time, appropriate action will be taken.
“All snow and ice operations conducted on the Ohio Turnpike are performed by turnpike employees, utilizing commission equipment. In general, employees who plow snow are maintenance worker class II roadway employees. This classification is responsible for repair and maintenance of the turnpike and snow and ice removal in winter,” he explained.
Employees are hired following a thorough review of related skills and experience necessary for the position, such as interview, background checks (BMV, criminal and employment), pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol testing. Following hire, employees go through an extensive training including snow and ice removal.
“In addition to the extensive training, our snowplow operators are provided with some of the best equipment in the industry to perform their job duties,” Mr. Ahmed said. “Our track record in snow and ice operations over the past 66 years speaks for itself.”
He continued, “This was an isolated incident involving a single operator and is not representative of our employees or our operations.”
He pointed out the turnpike is one of the safest highways in the nation and is known for meeting the demands of the most severe weather events.
