Winter Storm Operations

Miami County has a total of 1098 miles of roadways that consists of 404 miles of asphalt and 694 miles of gravel. The county divides roadways into 3 categories for snow removal operations; Priority, Secondary and Local.

Priority Roadways

Priority roadways are the highest priority routes during snow removal and will be plowed first and on a continuous basis until an acceptable level of service is achieved. An acceptable level of service may change depending on the storm, but we typically define this as intermittent clear wheel paths. These routes require multiple plowings and rounds of treatment with a salt mixture. These routes are subject to 24-hour snow operations. A map showing 2022 priority roadways can be found here.

Secondary Roadways

Secondary roadways are plowed after priority roadways and will be plowed on a 24-hour snow operation until an acceptable level of service is achieved. Again, an acceptable level of service may change depending on the storm, but we typically define this as intermittent clear wheel paths.

Local Roadways

Local roadways are plowed after both priority and secondary roadways have been completed and are not subject to 24-hour snow operations.

How We Prepare

To complete our snow operations for the year, the county stockpiles up to 2000 tons of salt, 500 tons of manufactured sand and 1000 gallons of magnesium chloride. To distribute all of these products and clear roadways the county utilizes:

Six tandem axle dump trucks equipped with snowplows and salt spreading capabilities
Three single axle dump trucks equipped with snowplows and salt spreading capabilities
Two 4x4 pickup trucks equipped with snowplows and salt spreading capabilities
Ten Motor Graders that can be equipped with V-plow attachments.

How You Can Prepare

Allow yourself enough time. Driving can take longer during winter than other times of the year, especially if you encounter storm conditions or icy roads. Get an early start to allow plenty of time to reach your destination.

Keep your windshield and windows clear. Take the time to clean your windshield and windows before you set out in winter conditions. You may also need to find safe place to pullover and clear your windshield during your commute. This will allow you to have better visibility during winter weather conditions.

Slow down. A roadway speed of 45 miles per hour may be safe in dry weather, but it becomes an invitation for trouble when driving in winter weather conditions. Snow and ice make stopping distances much longer, so keep your seat belt buckled and leave more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead. Bridge decks and shady spots can be icy when other areas are not. Remember to avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.

Be more observant. Visibility is often limited in winter by weather conditions. Slow down and watch for other vehicles that have flashing lights, visibility may be so restricted during a storm that it is difficult to see the slow-moving equipment.

Give snowplows room to work. Stay at least four (4) car lengths back from snowplows and snow removal equipment. This is for your safety since material can be spread across multiple lanes, and snowplow operators must focus on snow removal and cannot always watch out for motorists. Refrain from, or use extreme caution, when passing snow removal equipment.