Snowy weather is affecting many residents in Southwest Michigan today, meaning snowplow drivers and salt trucks are out to clear the roads.

Spokesman for the Michigan Department of Transportation Nick Schirripa says they manage about 3,000 lane miles on 65 different routes across seven counties. He explains how the department clears the roads to keep them in the best possible condition.

“As long as snow is falling, we are running around the clock 24-7,” Schirripa says. “As soon as the snow stops falling, we have a level of service we aim for. Our priority routes like I-94, I-196, US-31, we are trying to get down to wet pavement. So that will be a combination of plowing and salting when appropriate.”

Schirripa says drivers should take their time, be cautious of the plow operators on the road, and be patient.

“Give them lots of room and be very patient, please. If you’re gonna pass, please do so safely and don’t dawdle or get around them. In all honesty, the safest place on the road to be during a snow event is a few hundred yards behind a plow. The road is no clearer anywhere else than it is behind a plow.”

Schirripa tells us has the department for the Southwest region has about 90 trucks with around 145 operators ready to go in the event of a snow storm.