With winter upon us, Ramsey County is doubling down on efforts to keep its 293-mile network of county roads safe and navigable. The county has a team of over 30 snowplow operators dedicated to battling the snow and ice, but the community's cooperation is essential. As the cold season sets in, officials have laid out guidelines for residents to assist in making the snow removal process as smooth as possible.
Avoiding the perils of ice and snow on the road, residents are advised to "Stay back at least 100 feet and never pass on the right" around snowplows, as they make their way through the wintry streets, according to Ramsey County's official website. Caught in heavy snowfall or icy conditions, it is best to avoid travel if possible, ensuring the safety of all.
Additional guidelines stress the importance of visibility and space for snowplow operators, including steering clear of blind spots and sudden lane changes. The county also reminds residents to "Drive cautiously; ice can be invisible" and to keep children and objects like trash cans away from the vicinity of the roads to prevent accidents and ensure a clean snow removal job.
Understanding that a perfect plow job is unattainable, county officials remind residents to "Expect some snow left across driveways as part of plowing" and that "Eliminating windrows completely isn’t possible." Homeowners are also urged to ensure their mailboxes are strong and in good condition, as this could help avoid damage from heavy snow. Following the county's snow emergency rules and staying up-to-date through social media channels are also part of these recommendations.
For those looking to stay informed during the snow season, Ramsey County has suggested keeping tabs on their updates via social media. The latest on winter weather and road conditions can be found by following them on platforms such as X and Facebook.
