With the WINTER SEASON
comes the problem of keeping the county roads clear of snow. By its
very nature, this task requires the cooperative efforts of everyone.
Usually there are two separate snow removal operations. The first is
during the storm itself and consists of quick passes with the plows to
keep the roads open. Priority is given to school bus routes and the
most heavily traveled roads. Chains or snow tires are recommended during this period.
The second operation begins when the storm abates. It consists of
widening the cleared portion of the traveled way and cleaning up. This
provides space to store additional snow should another storm occur and
it improves the safety and usability of the road.
The time required for each operation varies with the severity of the
storm, the temperature, the importance of the road, and the
availability of personnel and equipment. It may be several days between
the first plowing and final cleanup.
Unfortunately, each operation may result in a berm of snow across
private driveways or encroachments to county roads. The County does not
have the resources to keep private driveways clear. This is the responsibility of each individual resident or business. Reasonable effort is made to plow in a manner that will minimize the size of the berm.
It is important that there are no obstructions such as parked
vehicles, refuse cans, trailers, or basketball standards in the roadway
when snow removal is apt to occur. Obstructions hamper operations and
prevent complete clearing of the road. In some cases obstructions can
prevent an entire street from being cleared. Cars parked in the roadway
during snow removal will be towed at the owner's expense. Mailboxes
need to be set back far enough from the traveled way to provide
sufficient clearance for the snow removal equipment and should be
sturdy enough to withstand having snow pushed against them.
Some suggestions are:
- Park vehicles off the roadway.
- Have good snow tires or chains and use them as needed.
- Residents and businesses should keep the berms cleared from across their driveways.
- Pile the snow past the driveway in the direction of travel.
Hopefully, everyone can work together to successfully handle this
winter's problems. If you have any questions or suggestions, please
contact either Jason Eilts, Operations Superintendent, or Troy
Bartolomei, Deputy Director, at (530) 225-5661.