![[WATCH] The Amazing Way Minnesota’s MSP Airport Removes Snow From Runways](http://townsquare.media/site/719/files/2022/02/attachment-MSP-Snow-Video-Conga-Line2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
[WATCH] The Amazing Way Minnesota’s MSP Airport Removes Snow From Runways
We haven't had much this year, but when it does snow, Minnesota's biggest airport doesn't take long to get those runways free of the white stuff again.
You've likely seen a line of four or five Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) snowplows in formation, clearing snow from a multi-line highway, like I-494, I-694 or I-35 here in Minnesota, right?
While that's impressive, I'm guessing you haven't seen how the snow removal team at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSP) clears snow from its runways... using something it calls a 'conga line.'
This special convoy of snow removal equipment was back in action several times at MSP last week and again this weekend, as the dedicated team of over 100 snow and ice removal experts tried to keep at least one runway open during one of our only winter spring storms of the season here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
ALSO INTERESTING: This Is the Ugliest Building in the Entire State of Minnesota
According to a release from MSP, the Field Maintenance Department of the Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is the main part of their team that works along with the airlines, the FAA, and the MAC's Airside Operations Department to coordinate all the snow removal operations at Minnesota's biggest airport.
The MSP crew worked tirelessly Sunday to clear over 8 inches of snow from the 28-million square feet of pavement at MSP's airfield in Bloomington to keep it safe for airline operations. Even though there were hundreds of delays and cancellations on Sunday, MSP *still* has one of the best on-time performances in the country.
Once it starts snowing, as it did over the weekend, the MSP crew gets to work, using their special 'conga line' formation to keep runways clear. It consists of between 15 to 20 pieces of snow removal equipment, all working together to clear the snow. Most times, MSP says, they only have to shut down a runway for just 15 to 20 minutes-- a task that takes much longer at other airports.
It's really impressive to see. Check it out in the video below, and keep scrolling to check out the 10 things Minnesotans can't wait to stock up on when it a snowstorm heads our way.
Listen to Curt St. John & Samm Adams
Weekdays from 6 to 10 a.m. on Quick Country 96.5
Top 10 Items People in Minnesota Stock Up On When They Hear "Storm"
Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio
