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County says unfinished state road projects may shift winter snow removal to Dodge County
Summary
Highway Superintendent Scott Huppert told the Board the state’s incomplete work on bridges and asphalt could leave Dodge County responsible for snow removal beginning Dec. 1, raising safety and coordination concerns for school bus routes and motorists.
Highway Superintendent Scott Huppert warned the Dodge County Board of Supervisors on Nov. 13 that unfinished state road projects could force the county to assume winter snow removal duties on stretches of road currently under state construction.
Huppert said county crews are working on County Road S (between Yager and Luther roads), coordinating with utilities installing cable and cleaning cornstalks from ditches. He said the county will meet with FEMA on the project and held an annual snow meeting for employees ahead of winter. Huppert asked the Board to authorize shoulder repairs on an older Highway 275 overlay, explaining that contractor truck availability during paving affected asphalt temperature and created bumps; he added that measured asphalt density remains acceptable and should not shorten the pavement’s longevity.
Huppert told supervisors the statute places responsibility for snow removal on the State while the State is still working on a project, but that the State does not interpret the statute the same way. "As of Dec. 1, the County will be responsible for snow removal," he said, citing the State’s differing interpretation. Supervisor Tawney said intersections and incomplete bridge work could allow water to pool and create winter driving hazards.
Huppert also described ongoing coordination with utility companies laying cable and said the county has the authority to direct where those companies place cable; he emphasized the need to update the county permitting process. He said townships know local school bus routes and typically prioritize them for clearing, but that he has been contacted by school transportation officials seeking confirmation that routes will be cleared first.
The discussion included plans to inspect a recently cleared easement at County Road T and County Road 9 that was the subject of an earlier resolution; County Attorney Hopkins said she had spoken with the property owner and Huppert said he would inspect the easement.
The Board took no formal action on the matters reported by Huppert during the meeting. Next steps identified were county inspection of the easement and continued coordination with state officials, local townships and utility companies.
