Sixty-two tow plows are now in use across the state with this recent bout of lake effect snow. The one seen in this story was being used Monday on I-86 in the Town of Sherman, which is in Chautauqua County.
A tow plow is essentially a dump truck that is towing a snow plow that can be hydraulically adjusted to swing out to the side of the truck, doubling the plow width. The tow plow is also used in combination with a 12-foot, front-mounted plow and stretches a total 71-feet in length.
NYSDOT cautions when tow-behind plows deploy, it can fool drivers into thinking the vehicle is jack-knifing. @WKBW pic.twitter.com/mpxI7A1sxo
— Ed Reilly (@WKBWedreilly) December 22, 2015
The tow plow allows the driver to clear two lanes at once, meaning snow removal will be faster and more efficient. It has a greater range of motion than standard snow plows and will save time and fuel in clearing highways.
The equipment is part of $50 million designated for a more comprehensive approach to emergency preparedness.
The downside? Drivers won’t be able to pass a tow plow on a two-lane highway if two lanes of travel are being cleared at once.
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