Snow Removal Policy

It is the intent of the LaSalle County Highway Department to provide safe and reasonable winter driving conditions on County Highways for the general public. At the same time, the method for snow removal must economically balance the benefits and adverse effects of de-icing to roads, structures, and environment on the County road system.

Snow removal is a function of the Maintenance Department. It is performed under the direct supervision of the Maintenance Supervisor and the two Area Foremen. Call out and commencement of snow removal activities can be implemented by the County Engineer, Assistant County Engineer, Maintenance Supervisor or either Area Foreman.

Snow removal operations will normally begin after an accumulation of two inches of snow. Weather conditions are monitored by the Maintenance Supervisor and the two Area Foreman. Snow operations may begin at 4:00 a.m. and if conditions exist end at 8:00 p.m. It is the intent of the snow policy to have one pass on every route completed by 7:00 a.m., Monday – Friday, and 8:00 a.m., Saturday and Sunday.

It is not our policy to secure a “bare pavement” on the roads. Our first priority is to plow and apply deicing materials to the hills, curves, stop signs, and priority areas. There may exist conditions that require the temporary suspension of snow removal operations for the safety of both the Department employees and the general public. Such conditions include sustained high winds with blow snow limiting visibitlity, or a prolonged ice storm. Work will resume when conditions subside to allow for the safe removal of snow and ice. When conditions improve and the priority areas have been covered, application of deicing material may be applied to secondary areas as conditions warrant. Priority will then be given to the more heavily traveled roads and as time permits, to the lesser traveled highways. Complete removal of snow and ice may not be possible until weather and temperature conditions improve.

A limited snow removal activity referred to as a “snow call-out” can be initiated by the Maintenance Supervisor or Area Foreman. This will be used when condition dictate that a full snow removal activity is not necessary. For this activity a small crew will be used to cover hills, curves, stop signs and priority areas.

It is the intent of the LaSalle County Highway Department to maintain the County Highway system efficiently and economically. Inconvenience to motorists while regrettable is unavoidable. Motorists must use extreme caution when driving in inclement weather.

The execution of this policy is further detailed in a yearly memorandum to the Maintenance Department.