Wright County is facing an intense winter season with the Highway Department working around the clock to keep roads clear of snow and ice. This year's snowfall is significantly higher than in the past couple of winters, prompting frequent deployment of maintenance crews to handle the hazardous conditions. As of December 31st, the county had already experienced 24 inches of snow, outpacing the average snowfall total for this time of year.
According to a recent update by the Wright County Highway Department, the number of snow and ice events has put a strain on the department's resources. With over 500 miles of county-owned roads to maintain, crews have been busy tackling the consequences of back-to-back storms and recurrent ice patches. The department anticipates that this winter's challenges may match the record-setting conditions faced back in the winter of 2022-23.
Last winter, there were a total of 32 snow and ice events, with 14 early call-ins for plow drivers. This season has already seen 24 such incidents, of which 20 required plow operators to begin work in the early hours in order to ensure safer morning commutes. The department's efforts are not limited to plowing snow; they also encompass pre-treating roads, dealing with black ice, attending to drifting caused by winds, and clearing snow from the shoulders post-storm.
As stated in a county newsflash, "If you’ve seen Highway Department trucks on county roads over the last two months, you’re far from alone." With winter's peak yet to come, drivers can expect to encounter more snowy and icy conditions on the roads. The highway department remains vigilant, hoping for a respite that would allow them to pause the relentless clearing operations that have thus far defined the end of 2025 and the start of 2026.
