In preparation for the winter season, Cook County Highway Department Maintenance Supervisor Russell Klegstad recently discussed the county’s snow removal policy and process.
Cook County Highway Department Maintenance Supervisor Russell Klegstad asks drivers to be patient as county crews work to clear the roads this winter. He also reminds drivers to stay clear of snowplows!
“Cook County does not have a bare pavement policy,” Klegstad said. “Our severe weather and gravel roads preclude such a policy. However, we do strive to keep the roads plowed and sanded to the best of our ability.”
According to the maintenance supervisor, the department’s maintenance crew clears county roads using the following schedule: 1st Day – Priority bus routes 2nd Day – Main trunk roads (more heavily traveled) 3rd Day – Secondary roads and parking lots
Klegstad asked local travelers to be patient after bigger storms, as heavy snowfall can lengthen the cleanup process. He urged residents to give snow removal equipment lots of room, as trucks will throw off salt, sand and sometimes frozen clumps in the process of sanding that can cause unnecessary damage to cars if they are following too closely.
Finally, Klegstad said, if you cannot physically see the driver or his or her reflection in the mirror, chances are that he/she cannot see you. The safest means of travel is to follow the law and drive to the condition of the road.
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