Illinois Tollway implements "Zero Weather Road Patrols"

Drivers stranded on the Illinois Tollway during the current deep freeze in the Chicago area have a good chance of getting help quickly. The Tollway is implementing a program which adds eleven patrol vehicles to the 460km (286 mile) tollway system with the prime task of assisting any stranded motorists. Operating 24/7 until temperatures rise they supplement about fifteen HELP (Highway Emergency Lane Patrol) vehicles that work year-round 5am to 8pm with a special emphasis on peak hours.

The patrols are staged out of eleven Tollway garages and manned by Tollway maintenance employees.They cruise the Tolllways looking for trouble or respond to calls on *999, a motorist assistance number operated jointly by the Illinois DOT and the Tollway. Prompt removal of debris on the pavement is one of their accident prevention chores.

There has been no snow coming down in Illinois during the deep freeze but snow gets brought in on the roof of trucks from Michigan and Minnesota and dumped randomly, sometimes creating small hazards. Motorists get stranded because of fuel tanks empty, flat tires, overheated radiators and other mechanical problems. These are more common than accidents.

At 11am today the temperature in Chicago was -21C (-6F). Joelle McGinnis Tollway spokesman says that traffic through the deep freeze has been normal in volume. She says she traveled with a patrol yesterday and listened to the dispatcher radio to the 25 or so patrol vehicles: "It was unending. It never lets up.Just one thing after another - mostly (small stuff like) hubcaps, a sofa seat, an icy patch, also vehicles broken down, someone wanting snow rolled back from a shoulder, you name it."

The Tollway has an Illinois State Police unit (District 15) paid for by the Tollway and dedicated to Tollway law enforcement which also works with the *999 and 911 centers.

Patrol vehicles tow or carry arrow boards to direct traffic away from incidents and can accommodate up to five passengers.

Statement on patrols and motorist assistance:

http://www.illinoistollway.com/portal/page?_pageid=54,2179979&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL

TOLLROADSnews 2009-01-16