WYDOT Snowplow Hit By Semi On Interstate 80 Monday

A Wyoming Department Of Transportation snowplow was side-swiped by a commercial semi-truck on Interstate 80 during a winter storm earlier this week.

That's according to a WYDOT news release.

The release says the plow was removing snow on a closed portion of  I-80 when the collision happened near milepost 268.

Plows had been working to remove snow near a group of semis that were stopped after having gotten stuck. Once the semis were freed, one of the commercial trucks tried to pass a snowplow that was clearing the emergency lane. Unfortunately, the semi didn't allow enough room and sideswiped the front plow  as it was passing the plow truck.

The release says the front corner of the plow sustained only minor damage. The semi was more severely damaged, including a ruptured fuel tank. the good news is that neither the plow driver nor the semi operator suffered any injuries.

Be Aware Of Snow Clouds Around Working Plows

WYDOT says the crash happened just before noon  at milepost 268 on I-80 westbound near the Wagon Hound Rest Area. Road conditions at the time were wet with snowfall and clear visibility. It should be mentioned that working plows create snow clouds, so if you see a snow cloud you should be aware that it could be a plow at work.

The release says "Wyoming Statute § 31-5-224 requires drivers to yield the right-of-way to emergency vehicles and move over to allow them to pass. This statute also applies to maintenance workers, such as highway construction and public utility workers."