Iowa Winter Maintenance Workshop
Description
Snow and ice control can be the most demanding, challenging, and visible tasks performed by local public agencies. Typically held in the fall, this workshop will cover many of the topics needed for operations staff to be prepared for the upcoming winter season. Some of the topics include the following:
- Pre-season preparation
- Snow removal on gravel and paved county roads
- Snow removal on city streets
- The use of salt and sand/salt mix
- Safety During Winter Maintenance Operations
- Pre-trip inspection
- New Innovations and Technology in Winter Maintenance
Speakers will include county operator instructors, city instructors, Iowa Department of Transportation (DOT) maintenance training coordinator, and Iowa LTAP staff.
Who Should Attend?
All public employees from cities and counties are invited to attend. Anyone who is involved in winter maintenance operations will especially benefit from this workshop.
Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this workshop, participants should be able to:
- Understand levels of service and priorities of streets and roads.
- Realize the importance of pre-trip inspections of snow removal equipment.
- Know when to use deicing products.
- Understand pre-season planning and policies.

Typical Workshop Agenda
| Time | Event Details |
|---|---|
| 8:00 am | Registration/Breakfast Rolls |
| 8:30 am | Welcome/Introduction |
| Preparing for the Winter Season | |
| Round Table Discussions | |
| 10:00 am | Break |
| How to Conduct a Pre-Trip Inspection | |
| Safety During Winter Maintenance Operations | |
| 11:45 am | Lunch served on site |
| Round Table Review | |
| Maintaining Gravel Roads in the Winter | |
| 2:00 pm | Break |
| New Innovations in Winter Maintenance | |
| 3:15 pm | Wrap Up |
For More Information
If you have questions or need more information, please contact Bret Hodne at 515-294-0515 or bhodne@iastate.edu.