Traverse County, MN

• Posted on ~ November 15, 2023

Snowplowing

Snow plowing and ice control shall be performed in a safe and cost effective manner. Safety, budget, personnel, equipment and public concerns must all be considered. The County’s Snowplowing operation has the function of plowing accumulated snowfall off County State Aid Highways, County Roads, and Township Roads to provide clear and functional traffic flow. The County operates 11 routes that vary in length but are typically 56 miles (112 lane miles) in length. The Highway Department only has personnel for one shift daily.

Snow and Ice Removal Policy

1. The County Maintenance Supervisor and/or County Engineer shall determine start time for each event. Start time will be dependent on specific conditions related to each event. Conditions relevant to start time include; snowfall amount, temperature, extended forecast, wind, safety to the traveling public and operators. Early morning snowplowing typically begins around 6:00 a.m.
2. The County Maintenance Supervisor and/or County Engineer shall be responsible for suspending
   plowing operations and calling plows and crews in, due to reduced visibility with regards to safety for
   employees and equipment. The Sheriff’s Department will be contacted if this decision is made.
3. During conditions where the wind is drifting snow on the paved roads as fast as it is being cleared off, plows will periodically plow the paved roads. If conditions improve and positive results are seen and then plows will move to the gravel roads.
4. The County will not usually dispatch snowplows until the snowfall has stopped and on snowfalls under two (2) inches. Exceptions may be made during extended snowfalls or if drifting becomes a problem. In any case, plows will not be sent out if conditions are considered too hazardous.
5. Each plow operator has a designated route to plow. In general, heavier traveled primary (paved) roads are plowed first followed by plowing the less traveled secondary (gravel) roads.
6. The Department shall be available to assist in any emergency on public or private roads as requested by the Sheriff’s Department.
7. The Department is NOT responsible for removing snow and ice from ditches to protect private property.
8. The County does NOT have a bare pavement policy and does not sand entire sections of roadway.
9. Complaints about property damage will be handled by the Engineer and the County’s Insurance
   Company on a case by case basis. Minnesota Statute §160.2715 states Right-of-Way Use.

This is not a bare pavement policy. The decisions made by the department concerning snow and ice control are based on providing the public with the best possible service while taking into consideration available funding, manpower, and equipment.

MAILBOXES

Winter is a very hard season for mailboxes. The County will repair at its expense only mailboxes that are properly located and installed, and which were damaged by actual contact with plow equipment. Damage resulting from snow flying from the plow is not the responsibility of the County. All mailbox installations shall conform to Minnesota Statute §169.072 and Minnesota Rules, Chapter 8818.0100 to 8818.0300.

DRIVEWAY PLOWING

County residents are reminded that it is unlawful to plow snow from driveways, onto or across County and Township Roads. Snow dumped, plowed, pushed, blown, or shoveled onto a roadway can create a serious hazard not only for motorists, but also for snowplow drivers and equipment. Snow piles along roadways also cause increased drifting. Accidents and damages caused by snow piles placed in the roadway may result in liability to the property owner. Minn. Stat 160.2715