PennDOT hasn't been immune to hiring struggles plaguing a number of industries across the country.
According to spokesperson Alexis Campbell, they've filled 41 percent of temporary winter operator positions and 94 percent of permanent positions statewide.
"Staffing levels at this point last year are similar to this year," Campbell said.
Locally, certain counties are doing better than others.
According to Lori Musto, assistant district executive of maintenance at PennDOT District 11, Allegheny County is down ten temporary and ten permanent workers. Lawrence County is down as many as nine temporary workers, but has filled all of its permanent openings.
Musto said Beaver County is struggling most in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
"We're currently down 23 permanent operators in Beaver County, and all of our temporary positions are open in Beaver County," she said.
On the other hand, District 10, which consists of Armstrong, Butler, Clarion, Indiana and Jefferson Counties is seeing increases in hiring over last year.
"Our district is currently sitting pretty well for our staffing levels," said Christina Gibbs, spokesperson for District 10. "Every one of our counties has filled the positional at a higher percentage than last year. We held job fairs in each of our counties this year where those interested in a career with PennDOT could come to the event, get assistance with their application, be interviewed and if applicable, be tested on the spot. These were very successful for us."
Though some counties are still short drivers, districts have contingency plans in place to make sure service isn't disrupted.
"I will bring in rental trucks if I need to to supplement where we're short staffed," Musto said. "I will utilize what we call at MET team. It's a mobilized team that we'll work with our unions on crossing county or district lines."
That doesn't mean residents won't need to have a little patience this winter. Musto said major roads are always a priority.
"The roads will get snow covered during an event. It does take our trucks time to run their routes and their cycles."
Job opportunities with PennDOT are posted to their website.