Summer is here and it is time for garage sales, graduation parties and weddings. There are signs iplaced along county roads to help people find their way to a number of events. Also found along roadways are signs advertising for real estate, businesses and services, and political candidates. However, Minnesota statue section 160.27 prohibits putting signs in the highway right of way and allows for removal by road authorities.
County Highway maintenance workers are currently out mowing ditches. Improperly placed signs slow mowing operations which results in fewer miles mowed along our roadways each day. Also of concern are unauthorized signs that impact sight distances and create safety concerns.
The only types of signs allowed in the public right of way are motorist information and traffic control signs approved by the Minnesota Department of Transportation and Crow Wing County Highway Department. Attaching well-meaning informational signs to motorist informational/traffic control signs, utility poles, trees, or painting/drawing on rocks or natural features is not allowed.
Improperly placed signs are subject to removal by Highway Department employees. Signs collected from County roads are taken to the Brainerd or Crosslake shop (depending where they are picked up) where they are available for retrieval.
The right of way distances for individual roads varies. Contact the Highway Department to verify right of way distances. Make sure you have permission from the landowner before placing signs on private property.
Signs are useful tools to help people get where they need to go. The public’s cooperation in placing signs lawfully as not to cause a distraction or become a nuisance is greatly appreciated.
For information and links to related websites go to: http://www.co.crow-wing.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=152