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County staff to inventory snowmobile crossings; costs and seasonal coverage raised as concerns
Summary
DPW distributed a snowmobile trails map and said it will review crossings against MUTCD criteria before installing signs; estimates of about 136 signs at roughly $100 each were cited and the committee discussed tourism funding and snowmobile club involvement for installation/removal.
Deb Donohue, Superintendent of Public Works, distributed the Washington County Snowmobile Trails and Trail Crossings map and described how the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guides sign placement. She said DPW will inspect crossings listed on the map, check whether warning signs are already present, and install signs only where the MUTCD criteria and perception-response-time analysis justify them.
Donohue told the committee that signs must be covered when not in seasonal use, which creates operational complexity. She provided a rough cost calculation: 68 crossing locations at two signs per crossing at about $100 per sign, meaning an installation program would require funding that is not currently budgeted.
Committee members suggested possible funding and operational approaches during discussion. Mr. Hogan asked whether tourism funds could be used; Treasurer Al Nolette said tourism funds could be applied. Mr. O’Brien and others suggested contacting the local snowmobile association to determine which crossings are priorities and whether clubs could handle seasonal installation and removal to limit county labor and costs. Donohue said DPW would review the map and coordinate with the snowmobile club to identify an affordable approach.
The committee did not adopt a formal action at the meeting and directed DPW to review crossings and return with recommendations if signage is required.
