(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) – This fall Anchorage and Interior Alaska residents will see a new type of snow removal equipment on the road. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) will be using a tow plow to clear roadways more efficiently.

Tow plows are a steerable, trailer-mounted plow pulled behind a conventional snowplow truck. The tow plows enable one snowplow to do the work of two plows, thus clearing roads using fewer vehicles and personnel. When plowing snow, the tow plow can be steered into the right lane allowing the truck to clear two lanes of traffic simultaneously. Total cost for each tow plow is about $92,000.

Tow plows are in use in 22 other states. In Alaska, Tow plows have been in use in Soldotna, Juneau and Mat-Su for the past year.

ADOT&PF reminds drivers to watch for snow removal equipment and to give them plenty of room; stay at least 200 feet back and do not pass on the right. Snow removal equipment can cause whiteout conditions when trailing motorists are driving too closely.

Road conditions for Alaska highways are available at 511.alaska.gov or by calling 511. For additional winter season resources and driving tips, visit dot.alaska.gov/winter. ADOT&PF urges travelers to use these resources before traveling throughout the state.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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