The Peru Gazette

By John T. Ryan

When a snowstorm hits, the Town of Peru Highway Department is responsible for plowing and sanding 112 miles of town and county highways spread over 92 square miles. A few days ago a brand new 2015, 450 horsepower Freightliner tandem truck equipped with a Tenco plow and sanding apparatus arrived. It replaces a 2001 International truck with over 100,000 miles.

Highway Superintendent Michael Farrell explained, “We have eight plows including one spare. We try to replace a plow after 10 years use, but sometimes it can go a little longer. The sand and salt are tough on the trucks.” 

When a significant overnight snowstorm hits seven plow operators report to work at 3:30 a.m. and strive to get all the town’s roads cleared by school opening at 7 a.m. Farrell said, “Plowing in the hamlet is the most difficult, especially on narrow streets like Winding Brook. I’ve been asking the Town Board for a parking ban on some streets.” A plow with its wing down is fourteen feet wide and operates at from 20 to 23 miles per hour when plowing and about 30 miles per hour when sanding.

Providing equipment to plow highways is an expensive undertaking. RB Charlebois was the low bidder with a price of $121,000 for the truck and $72,000 for the plow and sanding apparatus.