Snowplowing FAQ (follow link to Wisconsin DOT website)

Why is the speed limit on the newly constructed Camp Phillips Road (County Road X) in the Village of Weston 35 mph?

This project was partially funded with federal money so the roadway must meet design criteria determined by Federal and State DOTs.  The hill located north of Northwestern Avenue only meets design standards for a 35 mph road, therefore, the highest speed the road can be posted at for the hill is 35 mph.  The cost of excavating the hill to meet a 45 mph design speed could not be justified to increase the speed limit to 45mph for the 1.5 mile section of road.

What if my mailbox is damaged during snowplowing operations?

If your mailbox was damaged during snowplowing operations, the general policy is that if the snow plow blade physically hit the mailbox, the Highway Department will repair or replace the mailbox with a standard metal mailbox. Typically if the blade hits mailbox the post will be sheared off at the ground.

If the mailbox was damaged from snow flying out of the end of the plow, then it is the mailbox owner’s responsibility to repair or replace the mailbox. Mailboxes are permitted to be on the Highway property, but as such, it is expected they will be hit by snow discharging from plows and may by damaged, especially during heavy or wet snow storms. While the Department apologizes for the inconvenience, it is not practical for the drivers to slow down or manuever around each individual mailbox.

If your mailbox was hit by a plow, contact the Highway Department via email at kris.baguhn@co.marathon.wi.us or phone 715-261-1818. If you have to leave a message, please provide your name, phone number and address. Department staff will typically be scheduled to review the incident and get back to you within 3 - 5 working days.

If you are installing or replacing your mailbox, please refer to page 17 of theHighway Department Policy and Procedure Manual to ensure you install the box correctly. Hazardous mailboxes will be required to be removed (i.e. Mailboxes that have excessive shielding or posts larger than a 4"x4" timber or 2" steel pipe for a support are considered harzardous).

For other frequently asked questions, including gravel deposited in your lawn as a result of snowplowing, refer to page 4 of the Highway Department Policy and Procedure Manual. 
 

Is Farm Equipment exempt from overweight and oversize laws?

No - Farm equipment, or implements of husbandry, are not exempt from overweight and oversize laws.   For additional information contact the Wisconsin State Patrol or see the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bulletin "Wisconsin Farmers on the Road - Size, weight and load" (PDF)

How much can a Class A Vehicle legally weigh on a road?

Legal vehicle weights vary depending on how many axles are on the vehicle as well as how the axles are spaced.  See links in our Driving Information page or contact your local State Patrol office (State Patrol contact info available on this link PDF).  You must also follow the vehicle manufacturer's weight ratings and ensure that all vehicular equipment is in good working order.

Can you send someone out to pick up a dead deer?

The Highway Department cannot pick up dead deer; however, you may report them to us at (715) 261-1800.The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources contracts out for their removal, and we fax a list every day to the contractor.

Is this where I renew my driver’s license?

No. Driver’s licenses are renewed through the Wisconsin Department of Transportation Driver Licensing & Vehicle Registration. Contact them at 1-800-924-3570 or visit their website.

I drove through wet traffic paint and got some on my vehicle. How do I remove it?

Marathon County Highway contracts with a contractor to paint yellow roadway centerlines and white edge lines on the county roads.  The contractors use different paints.  Please contact the Highway Department at 715/261-1800 and we'll help you determine which contractor was working in the area and how to contact them to get the information you need to remove the paint.  You will need to know where and when you drove through the paint.  Please have this information available before you call.

What is your mowing policy?

The County budget no longer provides sufficient funds to mow the roadsides along our county trunk highways from right-of-way to right-of-way. Therefore, until budget conditions improve, the mowing of county trunk highways shall be limited to a maximum of two mower widths along each side of the roadway unless special conditions warrant additional mowing.

Vision corners shall be mowed only when necessary to provide safe vision and may, at times, exceed two mower widths. If vision corners are depressed sufficiently below the road surface such that mature grass does not provide a vision problem, they shall not be mowed.

How do I get a new driveway or field entrance on a county highway?

New driveways require review and approval from our department. Driveway locations must adhere to the spacing regulations contained in the County’s Highway Policy & Procedure Manual and fee schedule. This policy also applies to the extending or blacktopping a driveway on a county roadway. For instance, changing a field entrance to a driveway for a new house requires a review and approval. A representative of our department will review the application form and the driveway location to determine if a driveway is permissible.  If you have questions about driveway permits, please contact Russ Graveen at (715) 261-1814.

Please contact your town official for information about driveways on town roads or the WIDOT for State permits at (715) 421-8329 or visit their website.

Can I install a sign in the right-of-way?

No. Only official signs authorized by the Highway Department may be placed in the right-of-way. Official signs include speed limits, stop signs, curve and intersection warning signs, and road names. No real estate, rummage sale, political or other advertising signs are allowed in the right-of-way.

If you notice a damaged, obstructed, or missing sign, please (715) 261-1800.

Is there a permit required to move a garage, house, or any other oversize/overweight load on a county highway?

Yes, a permit is required. Click here for a permit application. There is a fee for each permit and the applicant must supply a current certificate of insurance. Depending on the size and weight, a Sheriff’s escort may be required.

The State also has a requirement for moving permits on state trunk highways. Click here for more information.

A stone chipped my windshield while driving on a County Highway; who is responsible?

Typically stone chips are a road hazard the vehicle owner is responsible for correcting. Occasionally a stone chip may be caused by Highway Department operations. If you feel the operations negligently caused the stone chip, you will need to file a claim against Marathon County. The first step is to contact the Highway Department at 715/261-1800 and ask to speak with a supervisor. Please provide the supervisor with the date, time and location the stone chip occurred. If you know the number from the side of the County vehicle or any other detailed information please provide it when you call. The supervisor will then provide you the information you need to file a claim with the Marathon County Risk Management Department.  The Risk Manager will provide instructions on claim filing requirements against governmental entities.