patching...
Welcome back, Patch Blogger!

Tow Plow

Saturday, January 12, 2013

MDOT Warns Motorists: 'Don't be Alarmed of New Tow Plow'

The new tow plow will be housed at the Brighton garage and used to clear I-96 and US-23 this winter.

If you happen to be driving down I-96 or US-23 and happen to see a rather large, orange Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) snow plow that looks like it's jack-knifing on ice, you shouldn't be alarmed - it's supposed to look that way. MDOT revealed its brand new snow plow, called a tow plow, at Island Lake Recreation Area on Friday. The tow plow can clear up to two full lane widths in one pass, doing the work of two trucks, saving MDOT both time and money. The tow plow cost MDOT $93,000, but is expected to pay for itself within five years. The service lifespan is also double that of the average snow plow, which costs around $200,000. In addition, the tow plow costs less to maintain.

Friday, January 4, 2013

Livingston County First in State to Use New Snow Plow

The Tow Plow will be used on I-96 and US-23 starting this month.

The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) will begin using a new type of snowplow called a Tow Plow - the first ever in Michigan - in Livingston County this month. The new plow will be used on I-96 and US-23 starting this month. The plow is a patented, tandem-style machine that is essentially a snowplow towed by a standard plow truck. The Tow Plow can plow widths up to 25 feet - up to two full lane widths in one pass. By using the Tow Plow, crews can clear both the travel lane and shoulder in one pass, reducing the time needed to clear the freeway during a winter storm event. This will improve service while reducing labor costs and fuel consumption on these busy roadways with high traffic volumes. When activated, the wheels of the …

Comment_arrow
Patch_comments_icon

Nicole Krawcke

5:41 pm on Friday, January 4, 2013

Haha, Sharon! Yeah, it would have freaked me out a little without knowing it was supposed to look like that! We'll have more on the new plow next week after I attend a demonstration!   more ›

Got a Hot Tip?
 
 

Videos