Public Works
Public Works Blog
Helping out your county snowplow operators this winter
Posted On: December 06, 2017
Chances are if you live in Chelan County, you’ve come across a county snowplow at work.
When a snow event hits, county snowplows take to the roads weekdays around 5 a.m. The 30-ton red trucks plow snow from the front while spreading anti-icing materials from the back. Snowplow operators work quickly, typically clearing a roadway in minutes before moving onto the next stretch of snow-covered roadway.
While snowplow operators are working hard to keep people safe on county roads, they need a little help from the traveling public. We’re passing along five tips on how you can do your part to travel safely alongside the county snowplows:
1.When you find yourself driving behind a snowplow, stay at least 150 feet back (that’s about 12 car lengths). It’s especially important to maintain that distance at intersections or on grades, in case the snowplow loses traction on the icy road. Keeping your distance also allows for that extra space needed for the spreading of anti-icing materials from the rear of the truck.
2.Whether traveling behind the snowplow or approaching it, keep an eye out for snow and other debris that may fly off the plow or a sander. In addition, snowplows can throw up a cloud of snow that may reduce your visibility. Never drive into a snow cloud – it could conceal a snowplow that’s in front of you.
3. When approaching a snowplow, stay out of the way and pull to the right as far as safely possible. The plows mounted on the trucks are 12 feet wide. County roads range from 16 feet to 35 feet wide. That means the plow may be slightly over the center line while working on area roads.
4. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, consider staying put. It’s best not to pass a snowplow in wintery conditions. Keep in mind that snowplow drivers oftentimes have obstacles in the roadway, such as parked cars, that they may have to suddenly avoid.
5. As in any good practice, when pulling out of a driveway, always assume the driver cannot see you. Take extra precaution to look for an approaching snowplow. Given the winter conditions and the size of the truck, it can take a snowplow longer to stop.
Along with the above on-the-road tips, there are a few things you can do at home to help out your county snowplow operator. Don’t park anything in the roadway during the winter and keep other obstacles, such as garbage cans, out of the street. In addition, don’t shovel snow from your driveway into the roadway. Not only is it against county code, but it can create an obstruction for the county plow and the traveling public.
And, lastly, if you clear a space before your driveway, on the down traffic side, you’ve made some room for the snow the plow is pushing along the roadway toward your property. This will help increase your chances that snow from the plow will be deposited in the cleared space, not back in your freshly-shoveled driveway.
Older Articles
2018 road preservation project revs up
Posted On: May 03, 2018
The 2018 Road Preservation Program is underway throughout Chelan County. Read about the list of roadways in the preservation program this year....
Read More arrow_forwardLocal effort results in radar signs being installed at Leavenworth bridge
Posted On: December 27, 2017
A group of Leavenworth citizens, concerned about drivers speeding on the Icicle Road bridge, recently pooled its resources together to come up with a ...
Read More arrow_forwardSpeed Limits 101
Posted On: December 06, 2017
A common call we get at Chelan County Public Works is from frustrated residents who want to know what they can do about motorists driving over the spe...
Read More arrow_forwardPublic Works Equipment Roadeo winners headed to state competition
Posted On: September 27, 2017
Four Chelan County Public Works employees will represent the county when they compete next month for state honors at the Equipment Roadeo, an event of...
Read More arrow_forwardWho ya gonna call?
Posted On: July 24, 2017
Standing in Clear Creek recently with a portable charger strapped to his back, Gray Rand looked like he was searching for ghosts. But this senior scie...
Read More arrow_forwardSummer means it's road preservation time
Posted On: June 22, 2017
Have you checked the Public Works website to see which roads are scheduled for preservation – or chip sealing – work this summer? ...
Read More arrow_forwardWhat's a Small Quantity Generator?
Posted On: May 30, 2017
It's time for all Chelan County SQGs to register for the September household hazardous waste collection event. Register by Sept. 8....
Read More arrow_forwardFree mulch available at Chelan Transfer Station
Posted On: April 07, 2017
The brush yard at the Chelan Transfer Station has a HUGE surplus of mulch that it's offering up for free to local residents....
Read More arrow_forward5 tips to remember when visiting a drop-off recycling center
Posted On: March 24, 2017
We asked Chelan County Solid Waste Coordinator Brenda Blanchfield to share the most common mistakes solid waste crews see over and over again at drop-...
Read More arrow_forwardCounty crews on pothole patrol
Posted On: March 22, 2017
Spring means it's pothole patrol time. Learn how potholes form and how to report them to Chelan County Public Works....
Read More arrow_forward