Pandemic winter least expensive in 4 years, MnDOT says

The 2020-2021 winter season was the least expensive season in four years, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

Including costs for increased cleaning, testing and personal protective equipment during the COVID-19 pandemic, MnDOT’s winter costs totalled $116 million, down $11 million from the previous cold season. It was also the least severe winter in five years and fell below average for snowfall.

MnDOT used seven times less sand and over 32,000 tons less salt in favor of more chemical snow removal than last winter. Salt also cost $11 less per ton.

Though winter was average in weather for MnDOT, the pandemic presented new challenges. Leadership set the goal: "No truck station gets shut down," Steve Lund, state maintenance engineer, said.

MnDOT employees practiced social distancing, only seated one (later two) people to a truck, upgraded truck ventilation systems and used truck bays as lunchrooms. They also partnered with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to utilize employees with CDL licenses as a part of a contigency plan for potential outbreaks.

All truck stations remained open throughout the winter.

In addition to keeping the roads clear, MnDOT engaged the public during a dreary lockdown in the "Name a Snowplow" campaign.

Following 22,000 suggestions and 122,000 votes on the 50 finalists, Plow Bunyan, Plowy McPlowFace and Snowbi-Wan Kenobi joined the fleet.

"2020 was a really difficult year for people for so many reasons," Jake Loesch, communications and public engagement director, said. "I hope MnDOT was able to give people a reason to smile when they read through these fun names and decided on their favorites."