For more information, contact:
Michael Sproul, WisDOT Bureau of Highway Operations
(608) 266-8680, michael.sproul@dot.wi.gov
Plows clear more highway in a single pass
A new type of snowplow is making its debut in Wisconsin. In an effort to maximize snowplowing capabilities, two counties, Eau Claire and Marquette, will be experimenting with “TowPlows.” The plows are pulled as trailers by regular snowplows and have pivoting axles that allow the plow to shift to the right when in motion, giving plows the ability to clear more highway lanes in a single pass.
“The new TowPlows can clear two lanes of highway or one lane and a shoulder, increasing productivity and shortening the time it takes to clear roads of snow,” Bureau of Highway Operations Director David Vieth said. “We also anticipate there will be a reduction in labor and equipment costs needed to clear a highway.”
TowPlows can clear a path about 20 feet wide compared to a typical width of about 14 feet for traditional snowplows. They can also be equipped with brine or salt spreaders to increase the efficiency of snow removal and ice prevention efforts. TowPlows have warning lights mounted on them so motorists can see them. Motorists encountering moving TowPlows from the rear should stay back and not pass unless there is a clear, plowed lane and it is safe to do so.
TowPlows have been used in Minnesota, Missouri, Utah, Kansas, Indiana, Maine, and several Canadian provinces, all which reported good results.
