New and Improved Equipment to Help Fight the Winter Snow

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, along with city departmental commissioners and directors, conducted the annual inspection of Buffalo’s snow fighting fleet today at the Department of Public Works Broadway Garage. Brown said in a news release, “We have more, and improved equipment, as well as a continued high-tech approach to implementation We are ready for the snow!” 

The City has invested a combined total of $800,00 to purchase new snow plow vehicles, and also made significant improvements to some of the trucks its existing snow plow fleet. This new and improved snow fighting tools will be used to clear the snow, as well as spread salt on the busy city roadways and neighborhoods. 

“Every year it’s important to take a close look at our snow fighting equipment and be certain that we’re prepared for the coming winter season; Buffalo’s snow fighters are among the most talented and dedicated professionals, prepared to meet the coming challenges of the winter,” Mayor Brown said. “The equipment will be ready. Our residents and businesses can be assured that the combination of these skilled professionals and the Department’s specialized equipment will provide the best snow fighting capability for any municipality in our region.” 

GPS Tracking Devices Installed on Every Buffalo City Truck 

Along with the physical enhancements that the City has made to its trucks, this will also be the third winter in which every vehicle in the snow fighting fleet will be equipped with a GPS tracking device.  The GPS units will be used to transmit key information to the Operation Center and the Command Center at City Hall. Supervisors can then pinpoint the location of all the trucks, and determine whether the plows are being used, and monitor how much salt is being released onto the roads. 

“The implementation of GPS trackers has drastically improved our routing, and planning; after each storm we analyze how workers used resources and then make adjustments for the next storm,” said Department of Public Works Commissioner Steven Stepniak. “Combining old school snow fighting tools with technology of today has earned us the reputation as ‘hard work-high tech’ Buffalo.”

These snow plow GPS units will help the City in managing its fleet of vehicles more effectively during the brutal winter season. Most likely, the roads will become increasingly busier as the holiday shopping season approaches, and so the quick and efficient clearing of the snow from streets should provide that extra measure of safety for drivers as they travel on the roads.