Updated: 10/14/2009 7:21 PM KSTP.com | Print |  Email
By: Becky Nahm

MnDOT, U of M Develop New Snow Plow

A smart, new snow plow, being developed by the University of Minnesota and MnDOT, may make roads safer while reducing financial and environmental costs.

The new plow is outfitted with a small wheel positioned on the front of the machine. The wheel detects ice on the road and sends an instant signal to the plow to spread salt.

The university professor working on the plow Raj Rajamani said, "You would put salt down only if you need to, only if you detect ice."

The wheel sensor allows for a more targeted attack on snow and ice. It also uses less salt which saves money and in turn helps the environment.

Rajamani said, "We have given demonstrations to many maintenance engineers from MnDOT. They've been have been impressed by it. They've seen that it works."

The plow has been in development for several years. It could undergo road tests as soon as next winter.

Each device costs about $1,500.

MnDOT has spent $160,000 on the research project.