What to expect from secondary roads snow removal

MT. PLEASANT — With such a hefty winter storm rolling into the holiday weekend, Henry County Roads Engineer Jake Hotchkiss shares insight for county road maintenance.

According to Hotchkiss, storms like these are difficult because high winds and blowing snow make visibility difficult, and colder temperatures make salt not as effective.

“So, if you can stay home, stay home,” he says.

When under a Winter Storm Warning, Hotchkiss advises, “If you must be out, make sure your vehicle is weather ready and includes a safety kit, cold weather gear, and all the necessities you may need to deal with the storm ahead.”

According to Iowa State Patrol, if you have not already stocked your vehicle with a winter survival kit, now is the time.

Iowa State Patrol suggest including the following: full tank of gas, flashlight, ice scraper, snow brush, water, snacks, jumper cables, cellphone charger, first aid kit, boots, hats, gloves, warm clothes, jumper cables, and music/games.

While individuals prepare with winter survival kits, they can also expect a few things from the Secondary Roads System.

According to Henry County Road’s standard winter snow removal operation, typical hours of operation for crews are from 5 a.m.-5 p.m.

“Initial effort is to get all routes open to two-lane traffic as soon as possible/ practicable. Once two lanes of travel are open remaining work will be carried out during normal hours,” an excerpt on specific standards states for paved road expectations.

The crews will work to make roads passible, but they do not provide a “dry pavement condition” policy.

The expectation for gravel roads is to open one lane of travel as soon as possible, and continue snow removal during normal working hours.

Additionally, road crews will assist with emergencies as requested by the Safety Center or Sheriff’s office.

According to the excerpt provided by Hotchkiss, “Henry County has no time limit after a snowstorm in which clearance of any of the paved or gravel roads shall take place.”

“Depending on weather conditions snow plows and motor graders may be called off the road if snow and blowing reduces visibility to hazardous working conditions,” it states.

According to County Secondary Roads standards, the focus of snow removal is to affect the most users with the consideration that their coverage area consists of secondary not primary roads.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com