DES MOINES, Iowa – This week’s snowfall had the Iowa DOT working overtime to clear off Iowa’s highways and interstates.

Craig Bargfrede, the Winter Operations Administrator with the Iowa Department of Transportation, said that the DOT prepares for storms days in advance.

“We’ve been monitoring this forecast for a number of days. So Wednesday we were actually starting starting to monitor and get an idea of that forecast probably 4 to 5 days ahead of time. Same way with this one. So as we were basically battling that storm on Wednesday, I was already looking towards today, Saturday and the weekend as to what could be impacting us, where could be impacting us, making sure that we had resources and staff ready to go.” Bargfrede said.

Luis Rodriguez, a Snowplow Driver with the Iowa DOT, said that he wants drivers to be cautious when driving behind and around snowplows.

“They’re doing two and a half lanes at once. You got our wings are attached to our trucks on the side, either left or right, depending on what area you’re at. So a lot of times, if you get the blowing snow, you can’t see those plow wings and if you’re coming up against them, you know, you might hit them without seeing it instantly.” Rodriguez said.

The Iowa DOT asks that drivers be patient and allow snowplows the room they need to keep roads clear.

“Safety is critical. Our operators are out there trying to do the best job possible to get these roads back into their normal condition. People just need to slow down and be patient with us, be patient with these guys and gals as they’re doing their job. They have families just like everyone else that they want to go home to.” Bargfrede said.