MassDOT unleashes 'Mega Plow' in time for winter
Date: 11/21/2012
By Carley Dangona
carley@thereminder.comWEST SPRINGFIELD — Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Secretary and CEO Richard Davey debuted the Tow-Plow as the newest tool in the Western Massachusetts' arsenal to tackle snow.
Davey unveiled the "Mega Plow" at a press conference on Nov. 16 at the MassDOT hub on Ashley Street in West Springfield.
Davey quoted the cost of the plow at approximately $240,000.
He added, "It's like getting two and a half trucks for the price of one, because we don't have a caravan of four or five plows [to groom one road]. This allows us to clean more highway with only one operator as opposed to two, three or four."
He noted that MassDOT plans to purchase two more plows for the greater Springfield area. In total, the Commonwealth owns five of the trucks, but is slated to order another 12. The size of the vehicle is geared for major highways, such as Interstate 91 and the Massachusetts Turnpike.
Davey explained that the idea to purchase this type of plow was generated during an assembly of current and former MassDOT employees, gathered to offer suggestions and ideas on how the department could reduce its cost while increasing its efficiency. The plow was available for use last year, but the miniscule amount of snowfall didn't necessitate its use.
The secretary discussed another benefit of having these plows in the fleet. "We can reduce overhead costs in regards to time and manpower. We have a finite number of employees and [with the addition of the new plows] we can spread them out on some other equipment, as well and get more of the work done in-house as opposed to relying so heavily on contractors. We will still use contractors to supplement our forces," he said.
"We're trying new things," Davey continued. "It's all about preparation — the mechanics getting all of our equipment ready to go, having our salt sheds full, and having our magnesium chloride ready, which we use for pre-treatment. We'll be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws at us."
Davey added, "It's another indication of the new MassDOT, which is trying to think more creatively about how we can reduce our costs but continue to improve our customer's experience on our roads."
