If you have an old or damaged rural mail box or one supported by an illegal structure, now is a good time to repair or replace it before the ground freezes, advises the Crow Wing County Highway Department.
“Every winter, the Highway Department receives complaints of snowplows damaging mailboxes”, said Jeff Gildart, Maintenance Supervisor. “Most often the damage results from rusted mailboxes and posts that do not stand up to heavy snow thrown during plowing operations”.
Snowplow operators report any damage that might have occurred on their route. Gildart said each complaint/incident is investigated. Repair by county personnel is limited to those mailboxes and supports conforming to standards that were actually hit by the plow equipment.
The Highway Department reminds residents in Crow Wing County that:
• Rural mailboxes are to be mounted and placed according to Minnesota State Statute, U.S. Postal Service guidelines, and federal highway placement standards.
• It is illegal to place objects on the right of way that may cause a hazard to the public or snowplow drivers.
• Mailboxes are the property and responsibility of the resident.
• Mailboxes with damaged or worn latches should be replaced. Wind and heavy snow can cause a mailbox door to fall open if the latch is not working properly.
• Ornamental displays and other types of decorations should not be attached to the mailboxes because these add weight to the structure and do not leave much room for maintenance and plowing.
• Newspaper holders should be attached beside (not under) the mailbox utilizing the same support.
• Snowplow friendly supports are available for purchase and the Crow Wing County Highway Department.
For Crow Wing County’s Mailbox Support Policy and a diagram of a standard swing-away type mailbox, go to http://www.co.crow-wing.mn.us/index.aspx?NID=158. For additional information on mailbox placement along County highways, call the Crow Wing County Highway Department at (218) 824-1110.