07-02-2025
VT snowplow drivers keep roads clear after winter storm
COLCHESTER, VT- At 9 a.m. Joe Bougor hit the roads armed with his VTrans plow truck and an 80s rock playlist. His route covers 35 miles between VT-116 and Hinesburg, which he says can get slick with snow, especially on the hills.
'Our mission is to keep the roads as passable as we can, because the snow is coming down so hard we can't keep them clean until after the storm has died down,' he said.
Bougor, a born Vermonter, has been driving trucks for over two decades and says he is used to these conditions, although Thursday's snowstorm is the worst he has seen this winter. He expects to be putting in a 12-hour workday, even with VTrans preparing drivers days in advance.
'We made sure we had all the trucks ready yesterday, before we left. So, when we came in all we had to do was jump in them and go and make sure they were full of salt,' said the snowplow operator.
Dan Shepard, the Director of District 5 in Colchester, says VTrans has been working to get crews up to speed on their assignments since Tuesday. He says with many new drivers stepping up in the storm, he is reminding them to stay well rested, hydrated and alert.
'A lot of the crews take it very personally; they want to make sure their road is kept as clean as it can be. If something happens it changes the moods for the crews,' said Shepard.
The director says crews will be working into Friday morning salting the roads. His advice for people on the roadways?
'Don't crowd the plow, move over for emergency lights and give everybody some room.'
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