Winter Operations

The Secondary Road Department adheres to the Linn County Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance and the Secondary Road Department Winter Maintenance Operations Policy (PDF) adopted by the Board of Supervisors during winter months. Important points of the policy include:

No "dry pavement" policy
Hard surface roads are given priority during and after snow and ice events
Salt and sand are only applied to hard surface roads
Rock roads are plowed to provide access to the hard surface system
Linn County does not remove snow from sidewalks or driveways
In an emergency, always call 911

Regular hours of operation are Monday through Friday 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Hours may be extended during a snow event to 4 a.m.-6 p.m. at the direction of the County Engineer or designee.

Snow Removal

Track-a-Plow

Linn County residents can see the locations of Linn County snowplows during snow events. This online program uses AVL (automated vehicle location) technology to provide current and historical locations of snowplows on Linn County’s secondary roads. The Track-a-Plow website is updated approximately every five minutes during a snow event using AVL technology on each snowplow and motor grader.

Snow Removal Alerts

Snow Route Maps

Snow Removal by Property Owners

Property owners are responsible for removing snow from sidewalks and driveways. Snow should be placed on private property to prevent unsafe road conditions and bills for County cleanup or vehicles damaged by snow deposited on the roadway. If it is unavoidable, push snow into the ditch and off the shoulder to the right of the driveway when coming to the road.

When removing snow from your driveway, push snow off the shoulder and into the ditch. Leaving snow on the shoulder may cause unsafe roadways and may damage the plow and truck.

Remove Vehicles from Roads

All county roads are established as snow routes; parking vehicles within the right-of-way is prohibited for any reason following snowfalls exceeding one inch, or freezing rain in any amount, until:

48 hours after the roads have been plowed and/or are no longer blowing shut due to drifted snow; and
County snow removal operations are completed, with the roads fully open to traffic.

Preparing the Roads for Winter

Between fall harvest and freezing temperatures, the roads need to be bladed and shaped up for winter. During this time, areas that have dust control treatment may be torn up. Dust control permits are valid until October 31 of the year issued. Property owners that have oil or seal coat will need to patch holes.

Give the Plows a Break

Driving a snowplow is one of the toughest jobs around. Operators must maneuver a 27' truck with an 11' plow and a 9' wing while dealing with foggy windows, swirling snow, slippery roads, icy intersections and everyday traffic. So please, "give 'em a brake."

During snow storm conditions, snow plows are considered and should be treated as an emergency vehicle.
Keep a safe distance when following snow plows. This is critical because snowplows create a swirl of snow that can blind the driver of a car following too closely or cars approaching from the opposite direction.
Snow trucks may also be spreading material as they plow snow to melt snow and ice to provide traction for driving safety.
Don't stop too closely behind a stopped snowplow. The operator may be preparing to back up and may not see you.
Don't pass a snowplow unless your visibility is perfectly clear and it is completely safe for you, the snowplow driver, and other vehicles.
Patience is very necessary during snow season. The snowplow operator is working to provide safe road conditions for you and your family.

Winter Driving Safety Tips

Please drive safely this winter and practice these safe driving tips.