Winter Maintenance

The Kenosha County Division of Highways is responsible for all winter maintenance activities on I-94, State Trunk Highways, County Trunk Highways and roads in the Towns of Paris, Brighton, Wheatland and Randall. All services completed by Kenosha County on I-94, State Trunk Highways and Town Roads are on a contractual basis and under the direction of each jurisdictional authority.

The following are miles of highways that Kenosha County maintains:

  • I-94 (including Frontage Roads), 12 Miles
  • State Trunk Highways, 134 Miles
  • County Trunk Highways, 262 Miles
  • Town Roads, 71 Miles

Winter maintenance activities generally consist of plowing and salting roads during snow/ice conditions. The goal of winter maintenance is to make roadways safe within the limitations of resources. Motorists can expect some inconvenience during snow/ice events and should modify their driving.

Plowing is the primary means of snow removal. De-icing agents (salt) is used principally to keep snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, which in turn facilitates clearing the pavement after the storm. A pro-active approach to winter maintenance involves anti-icing. Anti-icing involves applying a liquid anti-icing agent (magnesium chloride) and/or pre-wetted salt to the pavement prior to predicted precipitation events.

Prior to each winter season, the Division of Highways develops a plowing plan. Plowing sections are developed in an effort to produce the most efficient and cost effective operation. The following are maps for the current winter season:

  • Interstate and State Trunk Highways
  • County Trunk Highways
  • Town Roads

Winter Driving Safety Tips

  1. First is Worst In the first storm of the season, many motorists have forgotten their safe winter driving skills. They drive too fast and try to stop too quickly. When it does snow, take your time. Leave early. Drive defensively. Do not tailgate. Relearn your skills.
  2. Go Slow Drive well below the posted speed limit. Posted limits are intended for summer months on dry pavement.
  3. Plan Ahead Plan on trips taking extra time. Leave early. Consider using alternate routes. STAY HOME if conditions are too bad.
  4. Use Lights Turn on your headlights when precipitation starts. To prevent glare, avoid using your high beams during a night storm.
  5. Leave Room For Plows If snow is falling, plows will be out on the roads. Snow plow operators work hard to clear roadways quickly. Don't crowd them. Leave plenty of room. Be patient. DON'T TAILGATE! Letting them do their job will help you reach your destination safely.
  6. Buckle Up Use Your seat belts