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1. Why does it take so long to clear gravel roads?

Restoring access on gravel roads is a slow process since the graders are not built for speed and a typical route covers seventy to eighty miles. Sometimes after a severe storm, it’s not possible to cover the entire area until the second or third day. Home owners are encouraged to plan accordingly for the winter season.

2. Why do they keep plowing my driveway shut?

Unfortunately, this is due to the continuous operation of the plow. It’s necessary for the operator to push without stopping in order to complete the route in a timely manner. If we pause to clear each driveway, both momentum and time are lost.

3. The plow knocked down my mailbox. Will the County replace it?

Generally, the County will only replace mailboxes where it can be determined that the equipment made physical contact with the mailbox. During wet snows, the plowing operations will often cast snow across the shoulder, which can break the weaker box supports. The County doesn’t compensate for that loss.

4. I’ve seen plow trucks on the road that sometimes aren’t spreading salt. Why don’t they since they’re there anyway?

Salt doesn’t melt the ice, but does lower the freezing temperature of water. At critical temperatures, applying salt to roads packed with snow or ice may create worse problems by causing the snow or ice to “glaze” or form a slick shiny surface. Also, during windy storms, snow will often blow off a bare road, whereas salt will sometimes cause the snow to begin to stick.

5. Is there anything that I can do to help with snow and ice operations?

Yes. Hay bales that are stored along the north or west right-of-way will cause drifting across the roadway. If the bales were set back 300 feet, they would act as a snow fence and actually help protect the road.

During severe storms, it’s helpful if folks are patient and wait for the plow - abandoned vehicles become a big problem. Our operators try to go around those vehicles. If that’s not possible, the vehicle will be moved to allow our equipment to get through. The County will not be liable for damage unless negligence can be established.

6. How do we contact your Department?

If you see something that is a concern or have questions, please contact the County Engineer's Office. Our regular hours of operation are 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Find our complete contact information in the Staff Directory.