Two New Tow Plows Delivered to CTDOT

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NEWS RELEASE

2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546

NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7546

FOR RELEASE: January 6, 2017

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062

FAX: (860) 594-3065

WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

Two New 'Tow Plows' Delivered to CTDOT

The Connecticut Department of Transportation now has two more "tow plows" for snow removal on state roadways. The plows, which swing out from the rear of a traditional plow trucks, allow for the clearing of two lanes at the same time.

The new equipment will be deployed in the New Haven area, primarily in the I-95/Q Bridge corridor.

CTDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker is urging drivers to stay clear of the snowplows while on the road and cautioned against trying to pass a snowplow or snow plow echelon when it is in operation. The safest advice is for motorists to give the plows plenty of space, don't attempt to pass them, and to keep in mind that the road behind the snow plows is in better condition than the road ahead.

CTDOT tested one of the tow plows under a pilot program during the 2015-2016 winter season. The supersized tow plows will help the agency improve cycle times and reduce overall fuel consumption associated with snow clearing operations.

In addition to improving operational efficiencies, the tow plows have safety benefits, such as rear and side mounted cameras, lights that both illuminate the plow area and provide a warning to nearby motorists, and a mounted laser to guide and determine the position of the tow plow when fully extended in relation to roadside obstacles and other vehicles. The tow plows also have a longer service life than traditional plow trucks.

CTDOT’s winter maintenance and snow-clearing operations cover a roadway network of over 10,800 highway lane-miles, including commuter parking lots, the CTfastrak guideway, and other state facilities. CTDOT’s current Severe Service Snow and Ice Fleet consists of 634 plow trucks that are stationed at roughly 50 garages around the state, as well as materials and personnel to clear state roadways.