This winter in the Upper Peninsula is certainly the perfect time and place for the
Michigan Department of Transportation to test a new snowplow design, which is just what they're doing.
The new arrival to Michigan roads is called the Tow Plow, a patented, tandem-style machine that can clear up to 25 feet, or two full lanes, in one pass. It is basically a snowplow towed by a standard plow, according to MDOT.
It'll be used on I-75 and U.S. 2 in Mackinac County starting in mid-March, and MDOT personnel from St. Ignace, Engadine, Houghton and L'Anse will be training to use the new equipment, and learning how to train others in its use.
"We're always interested in new ways to provide our services safely and efficiently, and we're excited to see how the Tow Plow will perform here," says MDOT Superior Region Engineer and Bureau of Field Services Director Randy Van Portfliet. "The Upper Peninsula is the perfect place to put this new equipment through its paces."
The new plow has been used already downstate on I-96 and U.S. 23 in Livingston County. Its benefits include saving on equipment and personnel costs, by enabling one plow operator to clear both a travel lane and shoulder at once. It also should help reduce the time needed to clear roads during winter storms, and fuel consumption of plows.
Writer: Sam Eggleston
Source: Michigan Department of Transportation
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