In a report to Washington County supervisors last week, the county’s Secondary Roads department, good weather allowed more roadside maintenance and rock hauling than occurred in previous years. 

Clearing of trees and brush, especially near bridge culverts and road ditches, was able to be done using excavators and chainsaws. 

There was snow and freezing rain, including a significant snow fall in April, but snow removal costs for the first quarter of 2020 was $50,994.10, less than for the same period in 2019. 

Crews went out four times for snow removal for a cost of $254,000, compared to 12 times in 2019 at a cost of $305,408.80.

There were some equipment expenses, though, related to the snow, including $7,475.56 for tire chains and $40,433.65 for diesel fuel.

While the weather made it easier to clear ditches, it also revealed what else went in them other than vegetation and rock: Three televisions, one couch, one mattress, one dresser, one chair and numerous tires of varying sizes.

The department was able to start work on replacing an existing bridge on 130th Street, a half mile east of Hickory Avenue, with a triple 10-foot-by-12-foot-by-50-foot reinforced concrete box culvert. Approximately 90% of the work is complete. 

The total project cost is $396,000, with only $80,000 remaining to be paid.

The department finalized hazard mitigation through a grant program with FEMA for work on Dogwood Avenue, north of Mccain’s Landing. 

Last week, the county approved a preliminary engineering agreement for the Canadian Pacific Railroad (Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad) for crossing signal system improvements near the landing at Dogwood Avenue. The cost for the site plan is estimated at $5,000.

An ongoing project is county access control and cameras, a countywide security program for county-owned properties.

Since taking over the county subdivision coordinator position on Jan. 2, the department has handled 17 subdivision applications, consisting of three property line adjustments and 14 plats.

A new factor has been continuing efforts for adjusting all department operations to minimize contact with the public and meet social distancing of staff because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The next major project, now underway in Lime Creek Township, is the highway work on Highway 1, 300th Street and Kiwi Avenue in conjunction with the expansion of Premier 1 Ag Supply.