FAQs

Maintenance

1. Who do I call to report missing street signs or malfunctioning traffic lights?
   
2. Why don't we see the grader on our dirt road for long periods when it's dry in the summer?
   
3. Where do I go to find out if my road is maintained by the county?
   
4. How do I get my road accepted by the county so they will maintain it?

Snow Removal

1. After I cleared my driveway, snow was plowed back into it.  Who is responsible for clearing it?
   
2. Why can't the snowplow driver change the angle of the blade to avoid plowing snow into driveways?
   
3. What if I have an emergency and I am snowed in?
   
4. Is there a schedule for when streets are plowed after it snows?
   
5. Do you have any tips for citizens during snow removal season?

Miscellaneous

1. Which of the four Road & Bridge districts am I in?


2. Are there any restrictions for structures (garage sale signs, fences, decorative lawn ornaments, etc.) in the right-of-way?

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Answers

Maintenance

1. Q: Who do I call to report missing street signs or malfunctioning traffic lights?
   
   A: If the signs or lights are in unincorporated Jefferson County, contact the Highways and Transportation Division, at 303-271-8495.



2. Q: Why don't we see the grader on our dirt road for long periods when it's dry in the summer?
   
   A: When roads are extremely dry, grading may smooth the road temporarily, but without moisture to help compact the surface, the washboards will return quickly along with an increase in dust. In most cases, hauling water in order to grade roads is not feasible because of the large quantity required.



3. Q: Where do I go to find out if my road is maintained by the county?
   
   A: Call your district's shop.  Click here for phone numbers



4. Q: How do I get my road accepted by the county, so they will maintain it?
   
   A: The road must be built to current county standards, which basically means the property has been deeded and dedicated to the county, the road has a 24-foot wide paved surface with 3-foot shoulders on each side, and proper drainage structures (e.g., culverts) are in place.  For more specific information, see The Roadway Design Manual.



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Snow Removal and Related

1. Q: After I cleared my driveway, snow was plowed back into it.  Who is responsible for clearing it?
   
   A: Residents are responsible for clearing driveways.



2. Q: Why can't the snowplow driver change the angle of the blade to avoid plowing snow into driveways?
   
   A: The momentum needed to move the snow necessitates maintaining speed, sometimes up to 35 mph.  Combined with the response time needed to change the angle of the blade, it's just not feasible to do that.



3. Q: What if I have an emergency and I am snowed in?
   
   A: Call 911 and the emergency service agency will work with Road & Bridge crews to get the emergency vehicles through.  Snow removal crews will be redirected for emergencies only when requested by the proper authorities, such as the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department.  It is a crime to make a false emergency request.



4. Q: Is there a schedule for when roads are plowed during a snowstorm?
   
   A: Roads are plowed based on their priority, with arterials and main routes at the top of the list.  Your road may be a secondary route that will be cleared after the school bus routes and emergency routes are open.  For secondary roads, too many adjustments must be made during each storm for any set schedule to be enforced.  Specific road conditions, time of day, accidents, and construction are just a few of the criteria that affect the plowing order.



5. Q: Do you have any tips for citizens during snow removal season?
   
   A:
   • Be patient.  Every reasonable effort will be made to keep roadways open.  During a heavy snowstorm, all available operators and snow removal equipment will be on the road.
   • Do not attempt to stop a snowplow or obstruct its path.  Plows must maintain a minimum speed for efficiency.
   • Do not park along narrow roads.  Leave room for plows to get through safely -- whenever possible, park off the street. If plows are unable to get through safely, the road will not be plowed.
   • Instruct your children about the dangers of standing or playing around snow removal equipment, especially while waiting at the school bus stops.
   • Discourage your children from building snow caves where plows have piled snow.  The chances of a plow returning to push back the pile are great.
   • Keep your vehicle a safe distance (100 ft.) from snow removal equipment, as the equipment may throw sand, stop, or turn without warning.
   • Don't try to race or beat a plow through an intersection or pass in dangerous areas just because the plow is moving slowly.
   • If you must pass, use extreme caution.  To alert the operator that you intend to pass, please honk your horn and flash your headlights.
   • Joggers, walkers, and bicyclists should wear reflective clothing and try to get off of the roadway (step into a driveway) to allow the snow removal equipment to pass without having to go into the oncoming traffic's lane, which is very dangerous and difficult with a 10-12 ft. wide snowplow blade.
   • Be cautious of backing snow removal equipment.  If you can't see the mirrors of the equipment, they probably can't see you.
   • Do not pull up directly behind stopped snow removal equipment.  They may need to back up, and if you are close behind they may not be able to see you.
   • Please drive cautiously, even though the roads have been sanded they may still be slick.
   
   

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Miscellaneous

1. Q: Which of the four Road & Bridge districts am I in?
   
   A: Jefferson County is divided into four districts for maintenance: North, South, Evergreen, and Shaffers Crossing, with satellite facilities at Coal Creek, Indian Hills, Critchell, Lookout Mountain, and Buffalo Creek. If you are not sure which district your residence is in, call the Administrative Office at 303-271-5200.



2. Q: Are there any restrictions for structures (garage sale signs, fences, decorative lawn ornaments, etc.) in the right-of-way?
   
   A: A property owner may not construct any permanent structures or make any modifications to property located within the county right-of-way (ROW) without the appropriate permit from Highways & Transportation Division.  In most circumstances, items such as decorative pillars, fences, railroad tie retaining walls, rocks, posts, landscaping, or any other obstructions are not allowed in the ROW.  If you have any doubts, please perform a survey to accurately locate your property boundaries.  In some cases, the county does not have deeded and dedicated ROW for the road that passes through your property.  However, you are still not allowed to encroach on any part of the currently maintained roadway, including ditches and side slopes.
   
   Learn more about ROW on the Highways & Transportation's ROW & Surveying Web page.  In limited, special circumstances, Jefferson County may issue a License Agreement for private improvements, such as HOA signage in the county ROW. Please contact the Highways & Transportation Division for further information at 303-271-8495.

 

Last Modified: Mar 23, 2010 12:47 PM