NH Department of Transportation
Plow Rally
May 14, 2009
As you look around the Rochester Fairgrounds on this cool spring day, all you can see are orange trucks with plows, rollers, and large pieces of machinery attached. This is a gathering of men and women who serve NH residents year round. They are gathered today to recognize:
- The skill and expertise of plow drivers and their Wingman
- The innovation and creativity
- The support of family during long winters
Chapter 17 President, Peg Smith, explained that each district can send two teams, consisting of two people, to the yearly rally. Each team must complete four different challenges. The obstacle course is designed to show skill, safety, and team work.
In one section, the team is expected to hitch the plow to their truck. This is a timed exercise requiring thorough knowledge of the truck and blade. Caleb Dobbins said, “This is good hearted competition. It is about safety and innovation. It is appreciation for the Field Folk.”
The second challenge is the plow truck obstacle course. Drivers and their Wingman are expected to carefully maneuver the wing around mailboxes, hitting the chains hanging from the first one and missing the chains hanging from the second one. Then, they must touch the tops of bristles sticking out of orange roadside cones without knocking the cones over. These exercises must be done without stopping and using all established safety procedures. Gary Clifford, Maintenance Supervisor for District 5, shared his view of the yearly Plow Rally. He said, “At the end of winter, it is a good time to recognize all that our workers give up. They miss concerts, parties, and holidays. They and their families loose precious time together. It is a way of saying Thank You.”
A large orange truck sits with a roller on the back of it between 4X4 beams made into a u-shape. Peg explained the driver must back the truck up, with the help of his/her teammate, into small section just large enough to fit the roller. They cannot hit the beams and the closer they are to the back of the u-shape, the more points they receive. The last challenge facing teams is the inspection check of a defective truck. A safety check is done every time a driver leaves the building. Peg explained, “This is your piece of equipment, you take care of it.”
The last area included in this tour was the “Innovations” or modified equipment designed and built by a few NH transportation workers. These included a stand for removing the wheel that distributes sand on our roads. It saves worker’s backs by carrying the 
load for them. Next to this was a large house jack. It has been retrofitted to help lift the plow blades when they need changing. On the ground next to this was a blade with an edge on one side. They use this to remove sand build up between guardrail posts. They also designed a blade to smooth out sand on the side of the highways when they have to replace it. The last object attached to the back of a pick-up truck and held a chainsaw. This was to allow workers to sharpen the saw easily and safely while in the field.
The men and women that keep our roads safe definitely deserve our thanks. They are dedicated and are always looking for ways to save NH money and provide the highest quality services. These include the innovative pieces of equipment and the long hours. Pete Wilsie said it best, “There are always things we can learn. The Plow Rally gives everyone, workers, families, and the public, an opportunity to see what we do. Plus, the team that wins gets bragging rights!”
The overall winners of this year's Plow Rally were Mechanical Services' Art Laro, III and Ben Gelinas. Full results are available here.
Photos from the event are available here.