Winter Maintenance

Snow removal and winter maintenance are some of the most important functions of the Summit County Road and Bridge Department.

Our staff plows and maintains 290 lane-miles of road. Summit County does not maintain state highways, streets in incorporated towns or private roads.

County roads are categorized on a priority basis, and the roads with the highest priority are plowed first. Arterial roads, such as the Dillon Dam Road, Swan Mountain Road and school bus routes, receive priority maintenance. Secondary priority is given to collector roads through subdivisions, followed by other lower volume roads.

Plowing Schedule for County Maintained Roads

The Summit County Plowing Schedule Map lists approximate times County snow removal crews will clear County-maintained roads. Please note: the deeper the snow, the slower we go. Actual times will vary from those listed on the map, based on crew size, amount of snow and equipment availability.

View the Summit County Plowing Schedule Map (pdf).

To find out if your road receives Summit County maintenance, view the list of roads maintained by Summit County (pdf).

Top 7 Ways You Can Help Us Clear the Roads

Watch a short video on the ways you can help our snow removal operations be as efficient and effective as possible.

Operators follow a plowing schedule every day and most roads are plowed within a specific time frame. Due to the size of the territory under the county’s responsibility, some roads may not be plowed until afternoon. Keep in mind that, with a large snowfall, plow trucks take longer to make their runs. The heavy snow slows them down, too.

Under Normal Circumstances

Days with measurable snow amounts, routes will be plowed in their entirety.
Days without snow, crews will clean up and push back snow routes as needed. All roads may not receive attention on those days.
On regular working days, plowing operations will begin at 5:30 a.m. and end at 2:00 p.m.
Nights and weekends are covered by minimal staff whose efforts are concentrated on the main roads. In the event there is significant snowfall on any weekend day, the entire crew will be called out to plow.

In Extreme Circumstances

County roads may not receive same day maintenance. First priority roads will be plowed and kept open on extreme snow days.
Collector roads through subdivisions and lower volume roads may not receive attention on those days.

Snow Removal Operations

Snow removal operations for county roadways utilizes the right of way area for snow storage. Private driveways access through this right of way. Snow removal operations during a storm, or the clean-up that begins when the storm abates, may result in a berm of snow across private driveways or encroachments to county roads. Homeowners and residents are responsible for maintaining their own driveways and parking areas.

How to Clear Snow from Your Driveway

When clearing snow from your driveway, either by yourself or with the aid of a private contractor, be aware that it is unlawful to push or throw snow onto the county road per Colorado Revised Statute 43-5-301. Your snow must be disposed of on your own property. Snow pushed onto the road not only makes plowing more difficult for road crews, but can cause a dangerous obstacle in the roadway or a nuisance to your neighbors.

Keeping the Road Clear of Obstructions

It is important that there are no obstructions such as parked vehicles, trailers, trash receptacles, basketball stands, etc., in the roadway when snow removal is apt to occur. Obstructions hamper operations and prevent complete clearing of the road. In some cases, obstructions can prevent an entire street from being cleared.

Parking on County RoadsParking on county roads is illegal, and it is the responsibility of every property owner to provide adequate off right of way parking. The Summit County Sheriff's Department may order illegally parked vehicles to be towed.