St. Louis County Public Works debuts newest snowplows

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Public Works Department • Richard H. Hansen Transportation & Public Works Complex
4787 Midway Road, Duluth, MN 55811 • Phone: (218) 625-3830

James T. Foldesi, P.E.
Public Works Director/ Highway Engineer

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 30, 2022

MEDIA CONTACT: Chad Skelton
St. Louis County Public Works Fleet and Property Manager

St. Louis County Public Works debuts newest snowplows

With a fleet of approximately 120 snowplows to maintain St. Louis County's 3,000 miles of roads, it's typical for the County's Public Works Department to purchase 10 new snowplows each year. Each vehicle has an approximate life expectancy of 12 years.

This year's additions to the fleet, which have been custom designed based on input from the operators and supervisors, were on display for media during an event Wednesday at the County's Public Works facility in Pike Lake. The new snowplows include a variety of features that improve safety and efficiency, including:

• Better lighting to help operators see (and be seen) during snowstorms.
• Additional side and rear cameras to give operators better views from inside the cab.
• An integrated wedge-shaped tank that allows the operator to dispense material without having to raise the box of the truck. The addition of this tank also provides the capacity to carry more brine so operators don't need to return mid-shift to reload.

The new plows are actually dual-tandem trucks that can be used year-round for a variety of hauling purposes. All of the snow fighting equipment is removable, giving the trucks more versatility.

The fully accessorized vehicles span 41 feet, weigh more than 21 tons, and come with a price tag of $335,000 each.

"These are a significant investment in safety for our citizens and our staff," said Chad Skelton, St. Louis County Public Works Fleet and Property Manager. "We appreciate the County Board's commitment and support that makes it possible for us to maintain a quality fleet of vehicles to better serve the traveling public."

This infographic highlights some of the stats related to the new snowplows and the Public Works Department.

One of St. Louis County's newest snowplows sits outside the Public Works facility in Pike Lake. It includes three plow blades and other snow fighting equipment that can be detached, making the vehicles versatile for year-round use.

Three of St. Louis County Public Works Snowplows are on display inside the Public Works garage in Pike Lake. Each will last approximately 12 years and cover more than 300,000 miles in that time.

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