Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Signage topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County reviews snowmobile-crossing signage, notes MUTCD limits and funding gap for seasonal signs
Summary
Washington County staff identified about 68 county snowmobile crossings and described MUTCD guidance that seasonal warning signs should be minimized or covered when not in use. At roughly $100 per sign and two signs per crossing, staff said the county lacks budget for all signs and will consult towns and snowmobile clubs and consider tourism bed-tax funding for peak days.
County public-works staff reported April 28 that they counted about 68 snowmobile crossings on county roads and raised questions about signage and who should pay for seasonal warning signs.
A staff member read selection from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD): "The use of warning signs should be kept to a minimum as the unnecessary use of warning signs tends to breed disrespect for all signs." The staff member said MUTCD criteria (including perception-response time) will guide whether signs are installed and whether they must be covered or removed when not in use.
Staff estimated about two signs per crossing (approximately 136 signs) at roughly $100 per sign and said that those purchases are not budgeted this year. Members discussed options: towns could handle signage on town roads, snowmobile clubs could install and remove seasonal signs to reduce county labor, or tourism (bed-tax) money could be used to fund signs that mainly serve a short snowmobiling season.
Committee members asked staff to review the list of crossings and identify specific locations of concern; staff agreed to consult snowmobile clubs and return with recommendations. The committee noted that some crossings already had signs and that hinged "flop-down" signs have reduced longevity.
Next steps: staff will review the handed-out crossings list, talk with towns and snowmobile clubs, and bring recommendations (including any budget requests) to finance if necessary.
