Pitkin County Road and Bridge plows approximately 115 miles of roads.
County Roads are categorized on a priority basis and the roads with the higher priorities are plowed first such as school bus routes, high service level roads and roads that access emergency services. Although snow removal crews normally begin clearing the roads at 5:00 am, some of the lower priority roads may not be cleared until later. Hills and corners are sanded for safety.
Normal Circumstance
- Days with measurable snow amounts, routes will be plowed in there entirety.
- Days without snow, crews will cleanup and push back snow routes as needed. All roads may not receive attention on those days.
- On regular working days plowing operations will begin at 5:00 a.m. and end at 10:00 p.m.
- Weekends and extended shift plowing may take place under the direction of the supervisor.
Extreme Circumstances
- County Roads may not receive same day maintenance. First priority roads will be plowed and kept open on extreme snow days.
- Second and third priority roads may not receive attention on those days.
Usually there are two separate snow removal operations. The first is during the storm itself and consists of passes with the plows and needed sanding to keep the roads open prioritizing school bus routes and high service level roads.
The second operation begins when the storm abates. It consists of widening the traveled portion of the road, pushing snow back and plowing out wide spots on the roadways. It may be several days between the first plowing and final cleanup.
Unfortunately, each operation may result in a berm of snow across private driveways or encroachments to county roads. The County does not have the resources to keep driveways clear. This is the responsibility of each individual resident or business. Reasonable effort is made to plow in a manner that will minimize the snow that is left.
Property owners, who create hazards in a public right of way, e.g., plowing snow off private drives, piling construction materials or timber, or placing garbage bins, may be subject to prosecution under C.R.S. §43-5-301. A property owner may also be liable for any injury attributable to a hazard or the removal of a hazard s/he has created in a public right of way. Vehicle owners and property owners who leave vehicles in a public right of way are likewise subject to prosecution and vehicle impoundment.