MOUNT VERNON — The annual inspection of Knox County Ohio Department of Transportation snowplow trucks took place Wednesday at the garage on Harcourt Road.

Inspectors look at everything on the truck, from the operation of the snowplow to the many lights. The 15 trucks in the Knox County fleet all have spreaders for salt, and tanks for applying salt brine, all of which were checked. To keep the inspection impartial, mechanics from various garages in District 5 handle the inspections at other garages on a rotating schedule.

The 19 drivers in Knox County who handle snowplow duties are allowed to work 16 hours maximum on a shift.

Knox County is ready for the onset of winter, according to Brian Hunter, Knox County ODOT Superintendent. The salt sheds are full with 4,100 tons of salt. It is applied with a 50-50 mixture of pea gravel to provide traction on snowy roads. ODOT is secure in the salt supply, with contracts for additional salt when needed, said Hunter.

The state has a contract to supply salt to Knox County at $54.24 a ton. Hunter said that last winter, crews spread 6,630 tons of salt and 44,000 gallons of brine.