Gallatin County gives residents reminder of snowplow operations

Gallatin County is reminding residents about how county-maintained roads are plowed.

Gallatin County maintains over 1,000 miles of roads - paved, dirt and gravel - across the county. The road department removes snow and provides ice control on those county-maintained roads.

Here are some things to know about how county snowplow drivers operate.

*Normal working hours for plowing are Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with exceptions at the discretion of the road supervisor.

*Higher traffic roads are usually taken care of first.

*Snow removal starts after 2 inches has accumulated on paved roads, and 6 inches on gravel roads.

*Sanding is done at critical intersections, hills, curves and other hazardous areas.

*PLEASE do not plow snow onto or across county roads. Piles of snow left on or near the road can freeze, causing accidents and damage. It can create a serious hazard not only to motorists but to snow removal equipment as well.

If you have any questions, contact the Gallatin County Road and Bridge Department at 582-3250.

And remember, the Montana Department of Transportation plows state highways while cities and towns across the county plow their streets. So be sure to contact those agencies for information about snow removal on those roads.