(KNZA)--The Kansas Department of Transportation is committed to keeping the State's highways clear whenever inclement weather impacts the state. However, according to a release from the state transportation agency, KDOT staffing shortages create the potential for highways to not be cleared of snow and ice in a timely manner.

The agency is in need of equipment operators - the agency- primary snowplow operators. The agency has dealt with reduced staffing in the past, but the shortages have been greater in recent years. Across the state, KDOT is about 25% short of its preferred number of snowplow operators needed to be fully staffed.

KDOT snowplow operators work 12-hour shifts. Highways and bridges will be pretreated in advance of approaching storms when possible. The agency also will deploy employees - including supervisors and managers - with a Commercial Driver- License to plow snow and will hire seasonal employees. KDOT assists selected applicants in obtaining a CDL, including providing training.

KDOT field offices made preparations in September and October to be ready for snow and ice season. Salt, sand and other materials are fully stocked and pre-maintenance work on snowplows and other equipment is complete.