Answers to common questions and concerns

1. Why doesn't the snow plow arrive at the same time after every storm?

2. The gravel road has potholes in it but the grader only fills the holes, and they return very quickly.

3. The snow always leaves a windrow in front of my driveway. Why can't the snow plow angle the plow or stop and clear the windrow from my driveway?

4. The Postal Service will not deliver our mail because of a windrow or because the road has not been plowed.

5. What is the material sprayed on the roads by your tank trucks?

6. The grader leaves a windrow in the road and won't pull over to let me pass.

7. Why are there signs on the snow plows that say stay back 200 feet?

8. Why does the driver plow our main road but then leave without plowing side roads until a later time? It would seem easier if they plowed all the roads at once.

9. Who trims the trees that block signs or overhang the roadway?

1. Why doesn't the snow plow always arrive at the same time after every storm?

There are many factors that affect when a snow plow will reach your location. Snow intensity, icing conditions, wind, temperature, equipment break-downs and employee staffing, as well as other uncontrollable variables, will affect our normal schedules. If the snow plow is more than four hours late, please give us a call to report the problem, as a substitute driver may have been used who was not familiar with the area.

2. The gravel road has potholes in it but the grader only fills the holes, and they return very quickly.

On heavily traveled roads, potholes may reappear more quickly due to traffic volume. Gravel roads with pot holes usually have been treated with dust control materials. The dust control creates a hard-pack surface, which keeps dust from forming; if the grader breaks this crust, the dust will reappear. Therefore, the grader will fill the holes rather than break up the surface of the roadway in order to maintain dust control.

3. The snow always leaves a windrow in front of my driveway. Why can't the snow plow angle the plow or stop and clear the windrow from my driveway?

In order to clear the roadway, snow must be plowed to each side of the road. This, of course, leaves a windrow, which is difficult for our drivers to control. In order for our drivers to provide the most efficient and cost-effective snow removal, continuous movement is required. There are approximately 22,000 driveways on Boulder County's plow routes, and therefore it would be nearly impossible for drivers to stop and clear each driveway entrance. Safety is also an issue: snow plows have limited rear visibility, and clearing each driveway would require the driver to back the truck, putting children, animals and other vehicles at risk of not being seen by the driver.

4. The Postal Service will not deliver our mail because of a windrow or because the road has not been plowed.

Postal Service regulations stipulate that snow removal in front of the mailbox is the owner's responsibility. While our crews make every effort to clear shoulders of snow as soon as possible, our first priority is opening up all roads to traffic.

5. What is the material sprayed on the roads by your tank trucks?

During the warmer months, we use water to wet gravel roads, which helps compact the surface. Tankers that place water are labeled with a statement such as "non-potable water." During winter months, several tankers apply a de-icer to paved roads. The material tends to leave a film on the road surface, but this is easily removed with a soap and water wash. It is recommended that you wash your vehicle frequently during winter months due to de-icers and salts used during icy conditions.

6. The grader leaves a gravel row in the road and won't pull over to let me pass.

Gravel windrows are created during the grading process and you should not try to cross over, or your vehicle could be damaged. The grader operator is constantly watching the mirrors and is aware of your presence. The operator will pull over and let you pass when it is safe to do so.

7. Why are there signs on the plows that say stay back 200 feet?

There are several reasons for the signs, and all are related to your safety. Plows often create a cloud of snow behind them, and the operators cannot see you in their mirrors if you are closer than 200 feet. Meanwhile, the plow is also sanding the road and the sand could damage your windshield if you are closer than 200 feet. Boulder County is not responsible for damage to your vehicle if you follow the plow closer than 200 feet.

8. Why does the driver plow our main road but then leave without plowing side roads until a later time? It would seem easier if they plowed all the roads at once.

All roads within the Boulder County system are assigned a snow removal priority. High volume roads and school bus routes have a high priority and are completed first. Lower-volume roads and local-access roads are plowed once major routes are open. This system allows us to use County resources and manpower to open roads to the largest number of users.

9. Who trims the trees that block signs or overhang the roadway?

Boulder County Transportation will trim trees and branches when the tree or bush is within the County right of way. If limbs or bushes overhang in the roadway and are from a tree on private property, it is the owner's responsibility to keep them trimmed so that they do not obstruct signs or overhang the roadway. Please notify us as soon as possible if signs are obstructed or overhanging branches are a hazard: 303-441-3962.