Over the weekend we saw the first snow of the season. This comes about a month after the Ohio Department of Transportation said they were in need of hundreds of seasonal drivers to help keep the roadways clear.

So, now that the snow is here - is the state staffed enough to keep up with area highways?

As of Monday, ODOT Spokesperson Ray Marsch said District 4, which includes Mahoning and Trumbull Counties, was in the final stages of hiring winter drivers. Marsch said the district is "in a good spot for motorists traveling" and said he expects the district to be fully staffed this winter season.

However, Marsch noted that nearby counties, including Columbiana, are still short seasonal plow drivers.

Marsch said District 11, which covers Columbiana County, is still looking to hire three seasonal drivers.

Other nearby counties in need of drivers include Ashtabula, Portage and Stark. 

In October, Spokesperson Matt Bruning said, "We're facing the same challenges that many other employers are, especially among CDL-holders. These folks are in high-demand and especially in larger metro areas have a lot of options for employment. Getting enough qualified drivers has always been a challenge, but that challenge is greater this year."

ODOT said their goal has always been to have primary routes back up to speed within 2 hours of the end of a snow event and secondary routes back up to speed within 4 hours. ODOT said, last year they hit this goal 95% of the time. But, they may not be able to meet this goal this winter season if they do not have enough drivers.
 
 
 ODOT says drivers may earn more than $18/hour.
  

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