1/11/13 - Local motorists should be on the lookout for a new snow plow that will be debuted in Livingston County when the next big snowstorm that hits. The Michigan Department of Transportation provided a preview to area media Friday of the first and only Tow Plow in the state during an event at the Island Lake State Recreation Area. At first glance, the new Tow Plow is somewhat intimidating due to its size and almost appears as though it's jackknifing but that's not the case. When in use, the back end plow comes out at an angle, allowing the driver to plow up to two full lane widths in one pass. When activated, the wheels of the Tow Plow turn as much as 30 degrees, causing it to steer right of the plow truck. It works similar to a wing plow, only with greater reach. It will be deployed mostly along I-96 in the Brighton area at first, stretching from M-59 to Kent Lake Road. M-DOT officials say it will help to not only improve service and cut the time needed to clear busy freeways during a winter storm event but also reduce labor costs and fuel consumption. The Tow Plow will also be equipped with a salt hopper and room for a spreader to be mounted on the plow. The cost of the new Tow Plow is $93,000. With regular maintenance, it has an average service life of 30 years, compared to a 10-year average for a standard plow. MDOT says motorists should just be aware that the new Tow Plow will be used this winter and remind they maintain a safe distance from all plows when out on the roads. (JM)
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