QUESTIONS ABOUT ABOUT SNOW REMOVAL

Washington County has an established snow and ice removal policy. Following are questions we hear often related to this policy.

Why does it take so long to clear gravel roads?

Restoring access on gravel roads is a slow process since the motor graders are not built for speed and a typical route covers from 60-80 miles of road (or 120-160 lane miles) that need to be cleared. If windy conditions result in having to use the V-plows to get through snow drifts, even slower progress will be made. Sometimes after a severe storm it is not possible to reach all homes until the second or third day. Continued windy conditions can result in a road blowing shut shortly after it is opened. Home owners are encouraged to plan accordingly for the winter season.

Why do they keep plowing my driveway shut?

Unfortunately, this is due to the continuous operation of the plow. It is necessary for the operator to push snow without stopping in order to efficiently remove the snow and complete the route in a timely manner. If we pause to clear each driveway, both momentum and time are lost. Generally the snow is pushed to the south and east so that the removed snow windrow will not act as a snow fence and cause drifting across the roadway with the prevailing northerly and westerly winds.

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

During wet snows, the plowing operations will often cast snow across the shoulder, which can break the weaker mail box supports. The County does not replace or repair mailboxes destroyed or damaged during snow removal operations.

Suggested mailbox support construction

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

Salt does not melt ice, but it does lower the freezing temperature of water. This works down to a temperature of approximately 20 degrees. At a critical temperature of about 20 degrees, 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. We monitor the forecast and current temperatures to determine the most efficient use of our salt.

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

Yes. Hay bales or other material that is 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 is helpful if folks are patient and wait for the snow plow so that abandoned vehicles do not become a big problem. Our operators try to go around those vehicles, but if that is not possible, the vehicle will be moved at the owner's expense to allow our equipment to get through. The County will not be liable for damage unless negligence can be established.

How do we contact your Department?

Our office phone number is (319) 653-7731 with regular office hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday, or you can reach us by email at engineer@co.washington.ia.us. As long as roadways are passable, the Secondary Road crew will work regular hours and not work on the weekends. Following a snow storm, we will work overtime hours during the week and the weekend until access has been restored to homes and livestock. Washington County has an adopted a Snow Ordinance. The Ordinance limits the County's liability and also outlines services that residents can expect during the winter season.

What are the hours of operation for winter snow removal?

As long as roadways are passable, the Secondary Roads crew will work regular hours (Mon - Fri , 7:30am to 4:00pm) and not work on the weekends. Following a winter storm, we will work overtime hours during the week and weekend from 5:00am to 5:00pm. until access has been restored to homes and livestock. Our Snow Ordinance provides additional details on our snow removal procedures and policies.

Who do I contact in case of an emergency?

Emergencies (where loss of life is probable, where a serious injury has occurred, or where extensive loss of property is imminent) should be called to the Safety Center at (319) 653-2107 or 911 dispatcher. The County may respond to an "emergency" either during or after a snowstorm. Our Snow Ordinance has more details on emergencies.

Have another question?

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