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Longview OKs Scorpion towable crash attenuator to protect public-works crews
Summary
Council approved Resolution 25-71 to buy a Scorpion 2 towable truck-mounted attenuator, funding split between water and sewer and fit within existing budgets, to improve worker safety on busy Longview roadways.
The Longview City Council on July 22 approved Resolution 25-71 to purchase a Scorpion 2 towable truck-mounted attenuator, equipment staff said will better protect public-works crews working roadside.
Assistant City Manager Chris Collins presented the staff recommendation and described the device’s purpose: the towable attenuator attaches to the rear of a dump truck to absorb and redirect energy from rear impacts in work zones. Collins said the unit is towable, MASH certified and rebuildable after major impacts.
“For many of our operations, cone signs or barrels alone are the minimum required, but they do not provide any real protection to our employees,” Collins said. “Worker safety is non negotiable.”
Collins said the city’s water and sewer crews requested the device after an after-hours water-main repair on Industrial Way where conditions were “sketchy.” He told council the cost will be split between the water and sewer funds and can be accommodated within existing budgets; no additional city-wide allocation is required.
He also said the Scorpion 2 can be mounted on any large city truck with a pintle hitch, allowing fleetwide deployment. Staff noted the device meets federal and state standards for temporary traffic control and argued it is appropriate for several busy local routes that see heavy truck traffic.
Council members asked whether use would be primarily for water and sewer emergency responses and whether the city’s insurance pool (WCIA) might provide grant support. Collins said water and sewer would likely be the principal users because many of their repairs are emergency and after-hours, and staff would pursue possible WCIA funding for qualifying costs.
A motion to approve Resolution 25-71 was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition. Council minutes show the cost split and that staff consider the purchase a preventive step to reduce risk and liability for on-duty crews.
The procurement includes a plan for shared use by departments and a note that staff may later seek additional units for other departments if needs justify further purchases.
