Special Operations

Crews clean and unclog culverts, drainage pipes, and catch basins to maintain proper drainage and water flow. This work removes accumulated sediment, debris, vegetation, and other obstructions that can restrict water movement and cause drainage issues. Regular maintenance helps prevent water from backing up onto roadways, reduces the potential for flooding and erosion, and keeps stormwater systems functioning properly.

Crews perform bridge maintenance based on recommendations and findings from bridge inspections conducted by the Engineering Division. Maintenance work may include addressing drainage issues, clearing debris and vegetation, maintaining bridge approaches, repairing or replacing minor components, and completing other work identified during inspections.

Crews also sweep bridge decks and remove accumulated dirt, gravel, debris, and other materials from the roadway surface. Regular sweeping helps keep bridge decks clean, maintain proper drainage, and provide a safe driving surface for the traveling public.

Ongoing bridge maintenance helps preserve the condition of bridge components, prevent minor issues from becoming larger problems, extend the useful life of the structure, and keep bridges safe and functional.

Crews repair, replace, and realign guardrails, posts, and hardware as needed to address accident damage and other safety concerns. Damaged components are repaired or replaced as necessary, and guardrails are realigned when impacts or other conditions have caused them to shift.

Regular guardrail maintenance helps protect the traveling public, maintain proper roadside safety features, and keep guardrail systems functioning as intended. Crews work to address damaged guardrail as quickly as practical to restore the safety and integrity of the roadside.

Crews remove heavy brush, tree limbs, and other vegetation to maintain approximately 16.5-20 feet of vertical clearance over the roadway right-of-way. Horizontal clearance is also maintained to provide adequate sight distance and prevent vegetation from encroaching onto the roadway, shoulders, signs, and other roadside features.

This work helps improve visibility for motorists, maintain safe travel lanes and shoulders, and keep vegetation from interfering with roadway operations. Crews remove overhanging limbs and vegetation when needed to maintain clearance and address areas where growth has become a safety or maintenance concern.

A state-licensed applicator treats Skagit County rights-of-way, including roadside shoulders and guardrails, to control noxious weeds and unwanted roadside vegetation. Treatments are performed as needed to manage vegetation that can interfere with roadway maintenance, obstruct signs and sight distance, or encroach on shoulders and other roadside features.

Vegetation control helps maintain clear and accessible rights-of-way, support safe travel, and reduce the spread and growth of noxious weeds throughout the county roadway system.

Property owners who do not wish to have the adjoining right-of-way treated for weeds may choose to maintain it themselves. To do so, the property owner must complete a No Spray Agreement. There is no charge.

Completed agreements may be submitted by mail or email:

Mail:
Skagit County Public Works
201 East Avon Avenue
Burlington, WA

Email: PW_Roads@skagitcountywa.gov

The agreement must be completed by the property owner.

Questions? Call 360-416-1480.