HANOVER–To help combat horrendous commutes like the gridlock last January that came with winter weather, the Maryland State Highway Administration has introduced a new player to the game.
It’s called a Tow Plow and it does the work of a second truck without the fuel, manpower or money that a second truck would require.
It attaches onto the back of a snow plow and covers two lanes, applying as much as salt as necessary, depending on the severity of the weather.
Maryland now has two of the machines.
It plans to deploy the two Tow Plows along I-70 and I-68, areas that receive heavy snowfall each year.
Since 2000, Western Maryland has experienced an average of 30 snowstorms each winter compared to an average of eight snowstorms each winter in the D.C./Baltimore metropolitan area, according to the State Highway Administration.
However, if a storm hits the Washington, D.C., area and the need arises, the Tow Plow could be seen on local streets.
“It is important for us in the metro area to know what it is and to avoid trying to pass it,” said Valerie Edgar of the State Highway Administration.
The State Highway Administration says it is important not to pass snow plows while they are clearing roads.
“Stay behind us and let us plow the roads and let us do our job and keep the roads clear, that’s all we ask,” said Richard Brown, a driver in the Glen Burnie area.