Tow plows to clear highways in Douglas, Gillette, Patrick Draw and Riverton areas this winter

August 30, 2016

WYDOT is adding tow plows to its maintenance fleet to improve the efficiency of snow plowing on highways in the Douglas, Gillette, Patrick Draw and Riverton areas this winter.

Tow plows are towed behind standard snowplows, enabling a single truck to do the work of two trucks. Two of the plows have been clearing highways in the Casper area since 2014.

The trailer-mounted, 26-foot-wide plows allow a driver to clear and treat with brine two lanes of highway, or a lane and an 8-foot shoulder in a single pass.

WYDOT expects the four additional tow plows to increase driver productivity and decrease snow removal expenses.

The trailers are equipped with the same warning lights that are displayed on the back of conventional plow trucks, so to motorists behind the trailer it may look like two trucks plowing side by side.

Drivers are encouraged to stay back a safe distance from the plows to give them room to safely clear the highway.

To check highway conditions this winter go to www.wyoroad.info or dial 5-1-1.