FAQs • Ravalli County, MT • CivicEngage

How often and when do county maintained gravel roads get graded?: The Road Department’s first grading event happens after the ground is sufficiently thawed (usually April) for grading operations. There are presently four (4) grading districts. Each district takes about three (3) weeks to complete depending on weather and road conditions. Periodic grading events occur throughout the year with one final grading cycle (usually September) prior to entering the winter season. Extra dry roads are especially difficult to grade as they require supplementary water trucks to conduct the operations. Grading during dry weather requires more resources and is accomplished as staffing and resources are available.

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Road & Bridge

1. Which roads are County maintained roads?: See the List of Ravalli County Maintained Road Link for the list. There are other roads which may be State or privately maintained. In addition, there are many miles of platted County roads which are not maintained by the County.

2. What do we do if our trees or bushes in the easement are blocking drivers’ sight distance on the county roadways or about to fall down?: It may not be safe for drivers if you attempt to remove the tree yourself. Please do not take any action without first obtaining permission from the County Road Department when working in the easement.

3. What is the County’s procedure for snow plowing?: The County attempts to remove snow from the major collector roads first then moves to the less travelled roads. There are nine (9) snow plow routes with over 550 miles of County maintained roads. We appreciate your patience during snow events.

4. What should I do if I see a traffic or street sign which is missing or damaged?: Please contact our office at 363-2733 to make a report. We will attempt to assess and repair the deficiency as soon as possible.

5. There are potholes in the county road. What should we do?: Please contact our office at 363-2733 to make a report. We will attempt to assess and mediate the issue as soon as practically possible.

6. We live on a County Road which has dust issues. What can we do?: One basic way to produce less dust is drive slower. Also, the county has implemented a Dust Abatement Program for treating county maintained roads. In summary, the homeowner pays for the dust oil and the county provides the grading and application for dust oil. See attached link for information regarding the Dust Abatement Policy. Please note that the county does not conduct dust abatement on private roads.

7. How often and when do county maintained gravel roads get graded?: The Road Department’s first grading event happens after the ground is sufficiently thawed (usually April) for grading operations. There are presently four (4) grading districts. Each district takes about three (3) weeks to complete depending on weather and road conditions. Periodic grading events occur throughout the year with one final grading cycle (usually September) prior to entering the winter season. Extra dry roads are especially difficult to grade as they require supplementary water trucks to conduct the operations. Grading during dry weather requires more resources and is accomplished as staffing and resources are available.

8. When will county maintained roads be paved?: The Road Department does not have plans to pave any existing gravel roads. As resources become available, this could be a possibility.

9. What do we do if trees or bushes are blocking our sight distance in the county roadways?: Please contact our office at 363-2733 to make a report. We will attempt to assess and mitigate the issue as soon as practically possible.

10. An animal is dead in the road, what should we do?: Please contact the County Road Department and the animal will be relocated to the side of the road. The County is not responsible for disposal of dead animals. For disposal of dead animals, see the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department’s website’ link “Disposing of Dead Animals.”

11. Where is the right of way relative to our property corners?: Rights of way vary depending on the road. Please consult a registered surveyor to verify property corner issues.