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1. Why does it take so many county workers to do a simple road repair?

State and Federal safety regulations require traffic control personnel (flaggers) whenever work is done on a traveled way.

2. Why does the brushing crew cut down so many trees and bushes?

Vegetation removal / tree trimming is performed in a 10-year cycle. It is done for the following purposes:

1. Maintain and improve sight distance for the safety of vehicular and pedestrian traffic

2. Reduce and remove hazard trees and vegetation near the roads that can obstruct the traveled way or waterways with fallen trunks, branches, or debris.

3. Maintain and improve a fire clearance break suitable to allow ingress and egress during fire events and to reduce wildfire spread across the County Roads.

4. Increase sunlight exposure to reduce ice build up on pavements.

The Brushing Crew strives to accomplish vegetation removal with minimal long term costs to the maintenance budget.

They confine the clearing to County Road rights of way OR they acquire Rights of Entry where necessary. Before clearing is performed, research is done in the office to determine if the County has right of way along a given road, or if a letter granting the Right of Entry is on file. If neither is true, then a letter is sent to each affected landowner requesting a Right of Entry for brushing purposes.

Before any brushing is performed, notification is sent to each landowner along the affected section of road.

3. Why did I receive a Right of Entry request?

If the County has no Right of Way on a particular section of road where work needs to be performed, a Request for Right of Entry is sent to the affected landowner(s). The type of work needing to be done is noted in the letter. It may be brushing, sign installation, culvert cleaning or repair or some other work. The landowner is requested to sign the request and return it promptly.

4. How can I get a Speed Zone sign installed?

The default Speed Limit on all county roads is 55 m.p.h. Speed Zone signs can only be posted where there is a documented need for one. An Accident History investigation and Engineering Speed Study must be performed to prove the need for a Speed Limit sign at any particular spot on a road.

5. What is an Encroachment Permit, and when do I need one?

An Encroachment Permit grants permission to an individual or group for a specific activity (parade, street fair, construction of a driveway, installation of a mailbox, etc.) to take place on a county road. Before holding an event on a County street or road, you need to contact the Department of Public Works at (209) 966-5356 for an Encroachment Permit Application.