Highway Dept. reminds residents of plowing policies

As the winter season begins, the Sawyer County Highway Department is reminding residents of their snow and ice policies and procedures.

The Highway Department is responsible for snow and ice control on 229 miles of county roads and 162 miles of state highways. 

State trunk highways within Sawyer County fall under the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s 18 hour coverage rule. This means that snow and ice control is provided for up to 18 hours from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m., sometimes starting earlier depending on the storm.

The county trunk highways are maintained at near the same level as the state, with response being slightly behind the state.

John Pinnow is the Sawyer County Highway Commissioner. He reminds motorists to be extra cautious when driving near snow plows. 

“And if you do encounter a plow truck, I ask that you move over and slow down so we can clear the center of the road and provide a safe distance when following a plow truck. Because the snow coming off our plow trucks, if you’re following too close, reduces your visibility and a lot of the accidents in the state of Wisconsin happen from vehicles rear ending snow plows,” says Pinnow.

Under state law, vehicles have to stay at least 200 feet away when they’re following  a snow plow when the speed limit is 35 mph or over.

If a mailbox gets damaged during snow removal, it’s up to the property owner or occupant to fix or replace it. That rule also applies to newspaper tubes and delivery boxes

Property owners should not place snow from their driveway onto a public highway. This includes plowing across the highway, which is a violation punishable by a possible fine, imprisonment or both.

Pinnow also says you should let plow operators clear the roads before driving in a storm, and plan ahead if necessary.

The Sawyer County Highway Department provides updates on snow events and hazards on their Facebook page.