With winter weather approaching, the Washington County Engineer’s Office is beginning their preparations to make the roads easier to drive on in snowy conditions. Washington County Engineer Jacob Thorius says they’re doing final blade work on gravel roads, as well as getting the last of the rock tied down. Additionally, they’re reshaping the crowns on those roads and removing any potholes or washboards before the ground freezes. On the paved roads, they’re working on pulling up the shoulders, as well as finishing the patching of any potholes that remain.

Thorius believes the winter-proofing of the roads shouldn’t take more than two weeks, depending on cooperation from the weather. He says they usually spend a bit more time with roads they’ve worked on recently, just to make sure they’re in ideal conditions before winter hits. They are presently finishing box culvert and bridge abutment projects in the county, but Thorius is confident they will be completed before the first snowfall. He reminds people to use caution when driving in winter, particularly during the first couple snows of the season.