Baker County Road Department clarifies snow plowing and emergency response policy
By Garrett Christensen on Friday, November 22nd, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY – Winter is inching closer, and various state, county, and local public works agencies are getting ready. For Baker County residents curious about the snow plowing and emergency response plans this winter, the Baker County Road Department has issued the following information:
(Release from Baker County Road Department)
SNOW PLOWING
- In Baker Valley, we will watch for an accumulation of at least 2 inches of snow prior to responding with the snowplows.
- PRIVATE SNOW PLOWERS AND THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED THAT SNOW OUTSIDE THE COUNTY RIGHT OF WAY IS NOT TO BE MOVED ONTO THE RIGHT OF WAY. If this occurs and creates a road hazard to the traveling public, the person completing the action could face liability in the event of an accident that results in injury or property damage.
- Park vehicles off the roadway and keep trash cans and other items picked up to allow better coverage when the plows come through.
- Baker County has approximately 650 miles of roads to plow per snowfall.
- Minimum of 4-inch snowfall required to plow on non-regularly scheduled workdays.
- Baker County does not clean out approaches (driveways).
- Baker County does not plow private drives, State or Federal Highways, city streets, approximately 300 miles of county roads, or Forest Service roads.
- Baker County does not sand county roads. Baker County Road Department does not own a sander and has never sanded county roads.
- Baker County does not plow at night, except in extreme emergencies.
- Baker County runs one shift (i.e. one crew per regular workday). The schedule is four ten hour day work week. We currently have 13 employees available to plow snow. Each employee plowing snow is responsible for approximately 40 miles of road.
- School bus routes and collectors are priority roads to be plowed first.
- Drifting snow CAN cause a need for non-regularly scheduled workday plowing IF it creates a danger or closes roads.
- Baker County will, when possible, widen out/clean up the next regular workday after a snowfall IF it has not snowed again.
- Earlier this year, we applied chip seal to approximately twenty-five miles of roadway in Baker Valley. We will take extra precaution in maintaining these area as to not damage the new
EMERGENCY REPORTS
In the event of an emergency requiring law enforcement, fire or medical, call 911. For all other urgent but non-emergent situations, contact Baker County Road Department 541-523-6417. If after hours, contact Baker County Sheriff’s Office 541-523-6417 ext 0.
Please be prepared to report the following information:
- Is the road completely closed, washed out, or is traffic still able to get through?
- Is it due to mudslide, downed tree, failed structure (culvert, bridge, etc)?
- Accurate size of material in road causing the issue. For example, if a tree or fallen rocks have blocked the road, how big is the tree or how big are the rocks? This is important to determine what type of equipment is needed to correct the problem.
- Provide your name and phone number in case more information is needed.
Lastly, be prepared when you travel this winter and stay safe.
3050 E St Baker City, OR 97814
p: 541.523.6417
f: 541.523.8233
