The year’s first significant snowfall gave the Department of Transportation a chance to flash its new toys overnight, with three of its five “tow plows” going to work to clear what meteorologists say is a preview of things to come this weekend.
The $100,000 contraptions — rear-mounted trailers rigged with salt spreaders and 26-foot blades that can clear more than two lanes in a single swoop — ploughed some of the state’s hardest hit areas, Mass DOT officials said, and are expected back on the road tomorrow when more of the white stuff blankets the state.
Up to five inches fell in some areas overnight, according to the National Weather Service in Taunton, with Bridgewater topping the state followed by nearby Southeastern Massachusetts communities Taunton at 4.7 inches and Easton at 4.5.
Boston saw a fraction of that, with 1.5 inches falling at Logan Airport and an inch in South Boston. But the city could see more tomorrow, when another storm arrives carrying an expected 3 to 4 inches in Greater Boston and perhaps as much as 4 to 6 inches on the South Shore, according to Alan Dunham, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Snowfall is expected to begin Saturday morning and last through late afternoon or early evening, Dunham said.
The “tow plows,” introduced in November, will be out on Interstate 91, along the western end of Interstate 90 and possibly Route 128, depending on conditions, Mass DOT spokeswoman Sara Lavoie said.
Officials hope the plows can cut down on costs after Mass DOT spent $112 million last year on snow removal — $54 million more than it budgeted. A typical heavy-duty plow clears three-quarters of a lane, or 9 feet. Mounted with a side wing-plow it can clear 1½ lanes. But with a tow plow, it can clear 2½ lanes.