Photo: WDIO-TV file
Photo: WDIO-TV file
WDIO-TV
Created: December 16, 2019 03:17 PM
The threat of a possible strike by St. Louis County plow operators next year raises the question of who plows which roads.
Plows are operated by state, county, and city governments, generally plowing the roads owned by their level of government. Some residents may not realize that many main thoroughfares within city limits are county-owned roads.
St. Louis County Public Works is responsible for 3,000 miles of roads. Some of the county roads in the Duluth and Hermantown area that are plowed by county crews include:
Additionally, St. Louis County crews also plow the roads in unorganized townships. They also clear the roads in some organized townships through plowing agreements.
Meanwhile, Minnesota Department of Transportation crews clear federal and state highways, such as I-35, U.S. Highway 53, and Highway 194 (Central Entrance and Mesaba Avenue in Duluth).
Local municipalities are responsible for most other local roads, though a St. Louis County spokesperson said the county and municipalities have agreements for one or the other to plow certain stretches of road when it saves time and money for both sides.
WDIO-TV
Created: December 16, 2019 03:17 PM
Copyright 2019 WDIO-TV LLC, a Hubbard Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved