(DODGE COUNTY) Dodge County highway officials are asking drivers to slow down and give snow plow operators more room this winter after a growing number of close calls and crashes involving county plow trucks.
The department says modern plow trucks are massive — up to 21 feet wide and weighing more than 60,000 pounds when fully loaded — making it hard for drivers to see vehicles that follow too closely. Operators often work long shifts in whiteout conditions and need to back up frequently to clear intersections safely.
Drivers are urged to stay at least 200 feet behind snowplows, dim their high beams, and avoid passing in slippery conditions. Officials also remind motorists to clear their windshields completely and avoid distracted driving.
Dodge County notes that major highways like Interstate-41 and U.S. Highway 151 receive 24-hour plowing, while other state and county roads are covered between 4 a.m. and 10 p.m. or 6 p.m., depending on the route class.
Below is a list of hours of coverage during snowstorms:
Class 1 roads receive 24-hour service. Class 1 roads are I 41, USH 151, STH 60 from STH 67 to Hartford, STH 26 from STH 60 to Watertown, and STH 33 from Beaver Dam to the east county line.
Class 2 roads receive coverage from 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Class 2 roads are STH 73 from STH 33 to Columbus, STH 33 from STH 73 to Beaver Dam, STH 16/60 and 60 from Columbus to STH 67, STH 26 from STH 60 to Waupun, and all of STH 68, 175, 28, 67, and 49.
All County roads receive coverage from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
The department’s message is simple: give plow operators space, patience, and respect — and everyone will get home safely.
