County engineer outlines winter response; board approves 28E with Clarion, seismic testing to resume Jan. 19

Adam Clemens, Wright County engineer, told the Board of Supervisors that the county follows a staged winter-response plan: on day one crews open routes two-way, on day two crews widen lanes and shoulders, and on day three they address intersections and chronic trouble spots. Clemens said crews opened roughly half the routes during the recent storm and adjusted materials usage because high winds and low temperatures limited the effectiveness of sand.

"That's kind of our normal procedure for after a, for response and then after a storm," Clemens said, explaining the multi-day approach to reopen routes and clear intersections.

The board approved entering into a 28E intergovernmental agreement with the city of Clarion to clarify county road maintenance inside the city limits.

Clemens also told the board seismic testing contractors will resume work on county roads beginning Jan. 19; he said the exact roads will be identified when the contractor updates its schedule and that county staff will post and circulate the schedule once it is available.

The supervisor-approved 28E agreement and the engineer's report reflect routine intergovernmental cooperation and standard winter-maintenance practices; the county said it will continue to monitor route openings and contractor work schedules.