Winter Maintenance

Routt County Winter Maintenance

Snow removal and winter maintenance are some of the most important functions of the Routt County Road and Bridge Department.

Our staff plows and maintains approximately 160 miles of paved roads and 500 miles of graveled roads in the winter. Routt County does not maintain state highways, streets in incorporated towns or private roads.

Routt County only has ONE plow shift, we plow all classifications of roads on that shift. Many other jurisdictions in the county plow only the main roads and leave the local roads until days later.  All roads, every storm, program works more efficiently, given the non-grid nature of our road system and it better serves our dispersed population.  

There are several roads that get minimum to no winter maintenance and are closed during the winter months. Please see our road closure list for those specific roads. 

To find out if your road receives Routt County Winter maintenance, click on the Snow plow map .

Due to the size of the territory under the county’s responsibility, some roads may not be plowed until afternoon or next day. Keep in mind that, with a large snowfall, the plows take longer to make their runs. The heavy snow slows them down, too.
 

Under Normal Circumstances

• Days with measurable snow amounts, routes will be plowed in their entirety.
• Days without snow, crews will clean up and push back snow banks on routes as needed. All roads may not receive attention on those days.
• Weekends and holidays are covered by minimal staff whose efforts are concentrated on the paved roads. In the event there is significant snowfall on any weekend day or holiday, the crews maybe called out to plow all roads. 

In Extreme Circumstances

• County roads may not receive same day maintenance. First priority roads will be plowed and kept open on extreme snow days.
• Collector roads through subdivisions and lower volume roads may not receive attention on those days.

Snow Removal Operations

Snow removal operations for county roadways utilizes the right of way area for snow storage. Private driveways access through this right of way. Snow removal operations during a storm, or the clean-up that begins when the storm ends, may result in a berm of snow across private driveways or encroachments to county roads. Homeowners and residents are responsible for maintaining their own driveways and parking areas.

How to Clear Snow from Your Driveway

When clearing snow from your driveway, either by yourself or with the aid of a private contractor, be aware that it is unlawful to push or throw snow onto or across the county road per Colorado Revised Statute 43-5-301. 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. The snow crews may leave notices if they see that you are plowing across or into the county roads. 

Keeping the Road Clear of Obstructions

It is important that there are no obstructions such as parked vehicles, trailers, trash receptacles, basketball stands, etc., in the roadway when snow removal is about to occur. Obstructions hamper operations and prevent complete clearing of the road. In some cases, obstructions can prevent an entire street from being cleared.

Parking on County Roads

Parking on county roads is illegal, and it is the responsibility of every property owner to provide adequate off right of way parking. The snow crews may put a notice on your vehicle informing you to move your vehicle. The Routt County Sheriff's Department may order illegally parked vehicles to be towed.