Silver Creek Township Snow Policy

With the advent of another Minnesota snow season comes the concern about access to work, school and business. The safety and convenience of the traveling public is a main concern of Silver Creek Township. The goal of the township is to have all roads passable within a reasonable amount of time after a snowfall has stopped.

The township does not assure a complete bare road and will not sand entire sections of roadway. Users of the highway system are reminded to exercise caution and drive with care. Please remember that the legal speed limit may not be possible at all times.

Snow Removal Procedures

The township will usually not dispatch the snowplows until after a snowfall has stopped. During extended periods of snowfall, exceptions are made. The snowplows will not be sent out in situations that may be hazardous due to restricted visibility.

If snowfall stops during regular working hours, the plows may be dispatched at that time. If the snowfall stops during the night or early morning hours, the plows will be dispatched between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. Weekend plowing will be handled in a similar fashion.

Operations

Generally, the clearing of roads will consist of three phases: Making the road passable, widening and sanding, and cleaning up. Dependent upon the situation, more than on phase may be accomplished at one time.

a. Make the road passable.

Clean one lane in each direction. Generally plow and wing are used.

b. Widen the lanes to edge of shoulders.

Sanding is done at problem locations on paved roads, including intersections, curves, hills and bridges. A 6 – 10 percent salt to sand mixture is used for problem areas.

c. Clean up.

Remove ice and slush from roadway after salt and sand have been allowed to work.

Personal Properties

a. Only those mailboxes and fences that were properly located and installed and which were damaged by actual contact with township equipment will be repaired at township expense.

b. Township residents are reminded that it is unlawful to plow snow from driveways onto or across public roads. Piles of snow left on or near the road can freeze into a solid mass creating a hazardous situation for vehicles and snowplows. Accidents and damages caused by snow piles placed in the roadway may result in liability to the property owner. Piles of snow increase the chance of drifting snow onto the roadways.

c. Township residents are reminded to remove parked vehicles from township roads to assist in snow removal.

d. The township vehicles will not attempt to remove stuck vehicles from ditches, snow banks or any other impediment.

Information

Questions or concerns regarding snow removal and/or road conditions should be directed to the township at (763) 878-0141.

Board of Supervisors

Silver Creek Township