WINTER MAINTENANCE

Snow Removal Policy

Winter maintenance/snow removal is one of the most important functions of the Summit County Road and Bridge Department. Our staff members are dedicated to the task of maintaining the 146 miles of road under Summit County’s jurisdiction during the winter season. This responsibility does not include State highways, streets in incorporated towns or private roads.

Arterial roads, such as the Dillon Dam Road, Swan Mountain Road and school bus routes, receive priority maintenance. Secondary priority is given to collector roads through subdivisions, followed by other lower volume roads.

Winter staff is scheduled to work from 3:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. the following day, seven days a week. However, nights and weekends are covered by minimal staff whose efforts are concentrated on the main roads. In the event there is significant snowfall on any weekend day, the entire crew will be called out to plow.

Drivers follow a plowing schedule every day and most roads are plowed within a specific timeframe. Due to the size of the territory under the county’s responsibility, some roads may not be plowed until late afternoon. Keep in mind that, with a large snowfall, plow trucks take longer to make their runs. The heavy snow slows them down, too.

Parking On County Roads

Parking on County roads is illegal in Summit County and it is the responsibility of every property owner to provide adequate off right-of-way (ROW) parking. On-road parking presents particular difficulties during snow removal season and the Sheriff Department may order illegally parked vehicles to be towed. In addition, a plow operator may, at his discretion, decline to plow all or portions of a road if one or more vehicles are parked as to impede snow removal operations.

Driveway Maintenance

Homeowners and residents are responsible for maintaining their own driveways and parking areas. We regret that snow must be pushed off the road into driveways, but there is no other choice. Lifting the plow blade at every driveway entrance would create a ridge of snow in the road, and would lengthen plowing time considerably.

When clearing your driveway, either yourself or with the aid of a private contractor, be aware that it is unlawful to push or throw snow onto or across the roadway. Your snow must be disposed of on your own property. Snow pushed onto the road not only makes plowing more difficult for road crews, but can cause a dangerous obstacle in the roadway or a nuisance to your neighbors.

If you are a Summit County senior, 65 years old or over, you may financially qualify for snow removal assistance. For details and an application, contact the Summit County Community Center at 970.668.2940.

Road Conditions/Road Closures

For local road and weather information call 970.668-1090.

For statewide road information, call 303.639.1111 or 877.315.7623. Statewide road condition information is also available on CDOT's web page at www.cotrip.org

Local radio stations air updates on road conditions and closures as well.

The Summit County Road and Bridge Department does not have information on road conditions and closures of roads outside of Summit County’s jurisdiction.