The Crow Wing County Highway Department maintains over 640 miles of roadway and their right of way, as well as numerous bridges. The goal of the County Highway Department is to maintain its highway system during winter months in as good a condition as possible. While bare pavement will exist much of the time, expect that some areas will remain snow and ice covered.
Plowing operations generally are accomplished from 7:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. However, plowing does commence on a need basis prior to 7:00 A.M.
With expected high amounts of snow we may receive, snow removal operations on county roads and cul-de-sacs will generate some very large piles and banks of snow. During the snow season, the county will be pushing back these banks with large equipment in an effort to provide storage area for future snowfalls.
DANGER:
Don't let kids tunnel in snow banks or play near right of ways!
For their safety, children should be instructed to NOT play on these banks or make tunnels in them.
The following tips will help parents and children enjoy winter activities safely:
• Children should not play outside alone. Establish a buddy system with one or more friends and have them look out for one another. Younger children should always be well supervised outside.
• Children should be warned of the dangers of playing near roads during falling snow or icy conditions. It becomes much harder for cars to steer or brake in the snow– making it much more difficult to avoid potential accidents – and snow plows clearing the road are often a big (and dangerous) draw for younger children.
• Children need to understand that snow plows are very large and that they take time to slow down and stop. However, it may be difficult for children to hear a snow plow approaching. Children should move well back from the road if they see or hear one.
• Playing near roadways is not a safe choice in the winter. Children can fall onto the roadway in the path of an approaching snow plow, and the results can be tragic. Building snow forts near the street is also unsafe. A snow plow operator will have difficulty seeing children if they are hidden from view while playing behind or under a pile of snow.
• Stay away from snowplows and snow blowers. Choose play areas away from roads, fences and water. Playing by bridges should never be allowed.
• Wear bright colors outdoors. Bright colors help drivers see children better. Take extra caution when crossing roads because it might be hard for drivers to see children playing if they have snowy or frosty windows.
• Don’t build snow forts or make tunnels – especially along the roadway. Snow forts can collapse and trap or injure a child, be hit by an out of control car, or be destroyed by a snowplow clearing snow or cleaning up an area.
• Don’t play on roadside snow banks or ditch slopes. Do not use these areas for sledding or sliding. The driver of a snowplow or other vehicle may not see a child.
• Remember: If you can’t see the snowplow driver, they can’t see you. Stay far away from plows when they are working.
• Children should stay back away from the roadway while waiting for the bus. They should never run out towards a snow plow and never try to catch or have snow thrown on them from the plow. Chunks of asphalt or other road debris could be thrown out from the plow causing serious injury.
For more information on winter driving safety, visit the Minnesota Department Transportation Winter Work Zone Safety site: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/workzone