Driver guide · Ford of Peoria · Peoria, IL
Illinois Winter Road Conditions: How to Check Before You Drive
Winter road conditions in Illinois can change quickly, so IDOT asks drivers to check them before heading out. Here is where to look, what the IDOT condition labels mean, how IDOT plows and salts state roads, and the state's winter driving tips, for drivers in and around Peoria.
The short answer
Before a winter trip, check Getting Around Illinois, IDOT's map site, for current winter road conditions, weather radars and road and bridge closures. IDOT labels snowy roads Covered, Mostly Covered or Partly Covered. If conditions are bad, IDOT says not to travel unless absolutely necessary, and to tell someone your route if you must go.
Where to check Illinois road conditions
IDOT says winter road conditions can change quickly, so take time to check them on Getting Around Illinois before you head out. Getting Around Illinois is IDOT's web-based interactive mapping site. Its current conditions maps include winter road conditions and road construction, and IDOT points drivers there for continually updated information on winter road conditions, weather radars, road and bridge closures and other traffic-related information.
The site also has a text Road Condition Report from IDOT's Division of Highways. It reflects the worst conditions currently being reported and may not describe all conditions on each roadway segment, so use the winter conditions map for a more detailed view. For the Illinois Tollway system, the report directs drivers to the Tollway for conditions.
From IDOT, Winter Road Conditions and Winter Driving Tips, and Getting Around Illinois (home page and Road Condition Report), read October 28, 2026.
What IDOT's winter road condition labels mean
IDOT describes these conditions on its Winter Road Conditions page:
| Label | What it means |
|---|---|
| Covered | The road is completely covered and may have received some treatment. |
| Mostly Covered | The road is almost entirely covered and has received some treatments, but still has snow or ice on significant portions. |
| Partly Covered | The road is partially covered. Traffic lanes are mostly clear. A small ribbon of snow on the road and shoulders may still be visible. |
From IDOT, Winter Road Conditions, read October 28, 2026.
How IDOT plows Illinois roads
IDOT's plow route fast facts:
1,221+ routes
There are over 1,221 plow routes, and the average route is 15 to 50 miles long.
Day and night
Routes run both day and night, and multiple trucks are assigned to Interstates and multilane roads.
State roads
IDOT maintains Interstates, U.S. highways and state highways.
Last winter
For fiscal year 2026, through April 2026, IDOT reports 45,000 lane miles to cover, 1,900 trucks available, over 357,500 tons of salt used and a statewide cost of $116.2 million.
From IDOT, Winter Road Conditions and Winter Weather Operations, read October 28, 2026.
How road salt works, and when it does not
Road salt lowers the freezing point of water, which can prevent snow from forming and melt existing snow and ice. IDOT primarily uses rock salt, augmented with liquid chemicals (salt brine or beet juice) that prevent frost on bridges and prewet dry salt so it sticks to the road better. IDOT treats bridges with salt brine 2 to 3 times per week to prevent frost, and treats bridges before a winter storm.
Salt loses effectiveness at lower temperatures. IDOT spreads salt when pavement temperatures are at or above 15 degrees, needs additives below 15 degrees, and applies no treatment if snowfall is heavy or it is below 5 degrees. During heavy snowfall, salt is not spread until most of the snow is plowed away; sand may be spread for traction until the pavement warms.
From IDOT, Winter Road Conditions (Road Salting 101), read October 28, 2026.
Before you go
From IDOT and the Illinois State Police:
Check and plan
Check Getting Around Illinois for conditions. The ISP suggests planning primary and alternate routes and letting someone know your route and itinerary.
Pack a kit
IDOT lists jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first-aid kit, plus a cell phone and car charger.
Clear the car
Remove snow and ice from your vehicle before driving; IDOT says it is the law, and you could be held liable for damages or face a fine.
Fill up
The ISP says to fill the gas tank before entering open country, even for a short distance, and to stop for fuel long before the tank runs low.
From IDOT, Winter Driving Tips, and the Illinois State Police, Winter Driving Safety, read October 28, 2026.
On the road: IDOT winter driving tips
Wear a seat belt, turn your headlights on if it is snowing, and put down handheld devices; IDOT notes that both wearing a seat belt and putting down handheld devices are the law in Illinois. Slow down: slower speeds, acceleration, steering and braking are all required in winter conditions. Avoid cruise control in snow and ice, watch for black ice on roads that look clear, and be especially careful at intersections, ramps, bridges and shady areas, which are prone to icing.
Don't crowd the plow. IDOT says snow plows move slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes and exit the road frequently, and an operator's field of vision is restricted: if you can't see them, they can't see you. De-icer can hit your vehicle, and snow clouds from plows can cut visibility to zero. The road behind an active plow is safer to drive on, so stay behind it and use caution when passing.
From IDOT, Winter Driving Tips, read October 28, 2026.
If you are stranded
IDOT says to call for help, stay with your car and don't overexert yourself. Make yourself seen with an emergency marker and interior lights, and avoid carbon monoxide poisoning: clear the exhaust pipe and run the car just enough to stay warm. The Illinois State Police adds to run the engine and heater for short intervals and to crack a window to avoid carbon monoxide build-up.
From IDOT, Winter Driving Tips, and the Illinois State Police, Winter Driving Safety, read October 28, 2026.
Winter checkup at Ford of Peoria
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check. Separately, the Illinois State Police recommends winterizing your car, with checks that include the brakes, battery, tire tread, wiper blades, lights and defroster; ask us which of these your visit covers.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Ford of Peoria is at 2211 W. Pioneer Pkwy. in Peoria. Get directions.
Ford of Peoria service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-noon |
| Sun | closed |
From Ford of Peoria's website, October 28, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
Illinois winter road conditions FAQ
How do I check Illinois road conditions in winter?
IDOT says to check Getting Around Illinois (gettingaroundillinois.com) before you head out. It is IDOT's interactive map site, with winter road conditions, weather radars, road and bridge closures, road construction and other traffic information. It also has a text Road Condition Report.
What do Covered, Mostly Covered and Partly Covered mean?
Per IDOT: Covered means the road is completely covered and may have received some treatment. Mostly Covered means it is almost entirely covered and has had some treatment but still has snow or ice on significant portions. Partly Covered means traffic lanes are mostly clear, though a small ribbon of snow on the road and shoulders may still be visible.
Does the Road Condition Report show every road?
No. The Getting Around Illinois text report reflects the worst conditions currently being reported and may not describe all conditions on each roadway segment. It points to the winter conditions map for a more detailed view, and it notes that Illinois Tollway conditions come from the Tollway.
Which roads does IDOT plow?
IDOT says it maintains Interstates, U.S. highways and state highways, on more than 1,221 plow routes that run day and night. Interstates and multilane roads get multiple trucks.
Why do roads stay icy in extreme cold?
Salt loses effectiveness at lower temperatures. IDOT spreads salt when pavement temperatures are at or above 15 degrees, needs additives below 15, and applies no treatment during heavy snowfall or below 5 degrees. Sand may be spread for traction until the pavement warms.
Is it illegal to drive with snow on your car in Illinois?
IDOT says removing snow and ice from your vehicle before driving is the law. Snow can limit your view or fly off and hit another vehicle, and you could be held liable for damages or face a fine.
What does The Works at Ford of Peoria include?
The Works® at Ford of Peoria includes a synthetic blend oil change, tire rotation and pressure check, brake inspection, Multi-Point Inspection, fluid top-off, battery test, and a filter, belts and hoses check.
Get your car ready for winter roads
Book The Works, which includes a battery test, brake inspection and tire rotation and pressure check, at Ford of Peoria.
Sources
Road condition labels, plow and salt facts and winter driving tips are from the Illinois Department of Transportation (including its Getting Around Illinois site) and the Illinois State Police, read October 28, 2026. Conditions change by the hour; always check the live map. Service details, address and hours are from Ford of Peoria's own website, checked the same day. Photo is illustrative.
- Winter Road Conditions (condition labels, plow routes, road salting), Illinois Department of Transportation, read October 28, 2026
- Winter Driving Tips (preparation, plows, stranded), Illinois Department of Transportation, read October 28, 2026
- Winter Weather Operations (FY2026 winter figures), Illinois Department of Transportation, read October 28, 2026
- Getting Around Illinois (current conditions maps), Illinois Department of Transportation, read October 28, 2026
- Road Condition Report (text report), Illinois Department of Transportation, read October 28, 2026
- Winter Driving Safety, Illinois State Police, read October 28, 2026
- General service: The Works, Ford of Peoria, October 28, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Ford of Peoria, October 28, 2026