By Chris Cannon
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The next time Middle Tennessee gets an accumulating snow over three inches drivers will see a new type of snow plow on area highways.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation purchased four Tow Plows at a cost of $90,000 each. The equipment can clear nearly three lanes with a single pass.
A trailer with two plows and a salt bin is hooked up to a traditional plow truck. The trailer swings out to the side and all three blades clear the snow at the same time.
"This is saving manpower and equipment use for TDOT, and hopefully clearing roads even quicker in the next major event storm," explained Deanna Lambert, TDOT spokesperson.
The Tow Plow will block traffic as it moves along the highway and could come as a surprise to motorists who come upon it.
"This is something you haven't seen on roads in Middle Tennessee before, so use caution when you see these out in the next winter storm," Lambert said.
The Tow Plow is only effective when there are three or more inches of snow on the roadway.
Right now, TDOT will only use the new plows in the Middle Tennessee region.
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