PennDOT Introduces the 'Tow Plow'

As winter approaches, PennDOT crews are gearing up for road maintenance. And in Allegheny County, they have a new three-lane plow to help with the job.

On Monday, , senior highway maintenance manager for PennDOT, gave members of the media an overview of the “Tow Plow,” which he said will help clear roads more efficiently and could potentially cut costs.

“For bigger arteries with a larger snowfall, that Tow Plow is much more efficient,” Pampena said.

Essentially, the Tow Plow acts much like a wing plow, swiveling out to the right of a standard plow truck to cover as many as three lanes. It is equipped with air brakes and two 1,000-gallon tanks for salt brine, and can maneuver through traffic at upwards of 60 miles per hour.

Pampena said the plow, which was tested last year, will be used on I-79, the Parkway and multiple-lane routes such as Banksville Road.

While as many as three plow trucks may have been needed to clear those roads in the past, the Tow Plow be able to handle a highway itself, Pampena said. As a result, more trucks will be available to clear other roads, he said, and the increased efficiency could lower plowing costs.

Motorists should know that the plow is designed to operate in traffic, Pampena said. He advised drivers not to be alerted by the angled, 25-foot plow, which initially could be mistaken for a skidding truck.

Additional changes to PennDOT’s fleet include new tail gates and LED lights that are designed to make trucks more visible.

“We’re hoping that lets people know we’re out there,” Pampena said.

In Allegheny County, PennDOT’s winter budget is $10.7 million. Last year, the department spent $9.6 million clearing roads.

Because salt prices have remained stable, spending should be on par with last year, Pampena said. He doesn’t anticipate major challenges this season.

“Our guys are ready,” he said. “They take a lot of pride in keeping those routes passable for the motoring public.”

PennDOT advises motorists to prepare for winter by having a mechanic check their brakes, batteries, hoses and belts. Tires should be properly inflated and have sufficient treads. Additionally, fluid levels should be full, and wiper blades, radios, heaters and defrosters should be functioning.

The department also suggests that drivers have an emergency kit including a flashlight, ice scraper, snow shovel, battery-operated radio and first-aid kit, along with warm clothing, non-perishable food and bottled water.

Once the snow begins to fall, motorists can dial 511 on their phones, or visit www.511PA.com, to receive updates on traffic delays, road conditions and weather forecasts.