MoDOT’s Kansas City District announced it recently developed a new machine to help remove debris from roadways in an effort to make working conditions safer for highway maintenance crews across the state.
According to a news release, The machine — called JAWS — is mounted on a truck and includes an automated drop down skid-plate to “scoop’ debris off the roadway. The operator controls JAWS from inside the vehicle, using hand controls and a mounted camera display to quickly and efficiently move debris out of roadways and keep traffic flowing.
The name JAWS — Julie’s Automated Waste-Removal System — is in memory of MoDOT employee Julie Love who was struck and killed retrieving debris from the roadway in 2004.
In August, JAWS was honored by the Institute of Traffic Engineers Transportation with an Achievement Award-Safety.
MoDOT plans to add at least 27 additional JAWS devices across the state and is in the process of having the additional units manufactured.
For more information, call MoDOT at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636) or visit www.modot.org.