Public Works winter maintenance priorities

COLFAX — This year’s annual Whitman County Department of Public Works letter for winter snow and ice control was sent to school superintendents and U.S. Post Offices.

Public Works Operations Manager Brian Wilson said that the letter is something they send out every year to most of the towns and schools. “It’s an annual reminder we send out,” he said, noting that it’s also to let those new to the county who may have taken on new positions, new residents, and people who may never have seen it.

The letter states that the order of priorities is as follows:

• The first priority is paved roads.

• The second is the remaining school bus and mail routes.

• Third is other access routes.

• Priority two and three gravel roads will only be plowed if there are six inches of snow or drifting.

“Please note that all paved surface roads will be opened to provide county-wide mobility as work shifts or snow weather conditions permit,” states the letter.

It further mentions that weekend and night work will only apply to snow conditions at the road superintendent’s discretion and considering the employees’ safety.

Under the circumstance that snow removal does not occur during the weekend, the letter states that Monday snow removal may take more effort, resulting in delayed access by school buses. Whitman County only closes individual roads under limited circumstances.

The Public Works Department suggests that all vehicles be equipped with snow chains with instructions for installation and use.

“When snow conditions exist, it would be beneficial to contact our office for current information as to road conditions,” the letter states.