Illinois Launches Online Dashboard to Track Snow and Ice Efforts

New dashboard provides real-time data on salt usage, plow activity, and road conditions

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has launched a new online dashboard to keep drivers informed about winter weather conditions and the state's efforts to keep roads clear. The dashboard features statistics on salt usage, materials, labor hours, and the number of plows that have been hit by other vehicles.

Why it matters

This new dashboard provides transparency into IDOT's winter operations and helps the public understand the resources and challenges involved in maintaining safe roads during snow and ice storms. It also reinforces the important message for drivers to "Don't Crowd the Plow" to avoid further equipment damage and service disruptions.

The details

The dashboard includes a real-time tally of the number of plows that have been struck by other vehicles, even minor incidents, which require the plows to be pulled from service for inspection. This reduces the overall number of plows available to clear and treat the roads. The dashboard also includes a tutorial on IDOT's winter road conditions map, which relays data from plow drivers in the field to provide a general overview of road conditions on IDOT-maintained routes.

  • IDOT launched the new online dashboard this week.

The players

Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT)

The state agency responsible for maintaining Illinois' transportation infrastructure, including roads and highways.

Gia Biagi

Illinois Transportation Secretary, who touted the new dashboard as a way for the public to easily access information on IDOT's winter weather operations.

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What they’re saying

“Few things get us more attention at IDOT than the work of our exceptional snow and ice teams. The new dashboard is a quick, easy way to get you information on how the public's resources are being put to use.”

— Gia Biagi, Illinois Transportation Secretary (wcia.com)

What’s next

IDOT stated the dashboard page will be updated regularly to provide the latest information on their winter weather response efforts.

The takeaway

This new online dashboard demonstrates IDOT's commitment to transparency and keeping the public informed about the significant resources and challenges involved in maintaining safe roads during Illinois' harsh winter weather conditions.