Parking restrictions aid plow operations
Steamboat Springs — As the community digs out, Routt County and the city of Steamboat Springs are reminding people to keep plow drivers in mind.
The city of Steamboat is responsible for maintaining and clearing snow from 76 miles of streets, 6 miles of alleys, 37 parking lots and 105 cul-de-sacs.
To make sure areas are kept clear of snow, parking restrictions are in place from Nov. 1 to May 1.
On Lincoln Avenue and in Ski Time Square, parking is not allowed between 3 to 6 a.m. From the Anglers Drive area and south to city limits, there is no parking between midnight to 9 a.m. On all other city streets, parking is prohibited between 2 to 8 a.m.
Vehicles can be ticketed if left parked during restricted hours, and they could be towed during snow removal operations.
Outside of city limits, Routt County plow drivers have unique challenges.
Road and Bridge Department Director Janet Hruby said in an email that 28 snowplow operators plow about 600 miles of the nearly 900 miles of county roads.
Some gravel roads are not plowed during the first few storms to allow the road to freeze, that way gravel does not get plowed off.
The county’s plowing program is similar to what it was last year. There is one shift of drivers who work from 3 a.m to noon or from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. if there is at least 4 to 6 inches of snow on the road.
“These recent afternoon storms won’t get plowed until the next day,” Hruby said.
Drivers are on call during holidays and weekends, and the county will call in its full crew if there is more than 4 to 6 inches of snow. If there is less snow, a limited crew may sand the paved roads.
“There will be times that roads are impacted by the weather conditions,” a Routt County news release stated. “Please plan your travel with this in mind.”
Residents can help the county keep roads clear by:
• Plowing driveway snow onto your lot and not into the road
• Keeping vehicles parked out of the right-of-way
• Keeping trash and recycle cans in the driveway and out of the road
• Yielding to snow plows
• Slowing down and staying alert to changing road conditions
The city of Steamboat reminds residents to keep their car windows clear of snow and ice because inadequate visibility and speed are the cause of many accidents. The city also wants to remind residents that it is their responsibility to keep snow cleared from mailboxes.
To reach Matt Stensland, call 970-871-4247, email mstensland@SteamboatToday.com or follow him on Twitter @SBTStensland
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