About

To report after-hours highway hazards or emergencies, contact the Sheriff's Dispatch Center at (507) 451-8232.

Email:
Email Highway Department (Do not use to report highway hazards or emergencies as email is not monitored continuously)

Mission Statement

The Steele County Highway Department provides a safe, efficient, coordinated transportation system that is responsive to community values and meets the needs of all users within resource limitations.

Public Works Department Overview

The Public Works Department oversees the planning, construction, and maintenance of Steele County’s capital infrastructure. This includes management of highways, bridges, county buildings, highway equipment, and the county landfill. 

Department Staff and Structure

The Highway Department operates under the leadership of the Public Works Director and is organized into administrative, engineering, and maintenance teams. Each division carries out specialized responsibilities essential to the county’s transportation system. While their functions differ, collaboration is a core part of daily operations. Staff routinely coordinate across internal divisions, with other county departments, and with state, regional, and federal agencies to ensure efficient project delivery and consistent service to the public.

Administration 

Administration provides oversight and support for all departmental operations. Responsibilities include:

• Customer service and permit processing 
• Cost accounting, financial reporting, billing, and payroll 
• Policy development and interdepartmental coordination 

Engineering

The County Engineer oversees the planning, design, and construction of Steele County’s transportation infrastructure. The Engineering Staff works to align projects with state and federal standards. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing capital projects for highways, bridges, and roads
• Conducting project programming, surveys, and design
• Acquiring right‑of‑way for construction projects
• Providing construction inspection, materials sampling and testing, and project administration 
• Reviewing and processing utility, oversize load, and access permits in accordance with county policy 
• Performing annual safety inspections for all bridges on county and township road systems

Highway Maintenance

Highway Maintenance is responsible for the upkeep of more than 367 centerline miles of roadway and 128 bridges, as well as performing certain construction activities when appropriate. The division ensures that county roads and structures remain functional throughout all seasons. The county highway system is funded through two primary categories:

• County State Aid Highways (CSAH) — 305 miles funded in part by state‑distributed gas tax revenue 
• County Roads (CR) — 62 miles funded through the local property tax levy, wheelage tax, and sales tax

Maintenance activities include:

• Performing routine maintenance such as drainage repairs, pavement repairs, snow and ice control, and traffic management (signing and signalization)
• Roadside mowing, brush control, and noxious weed management 
• Maintenance and repair of the department’s heavy equipment and vehicle fleet 
• Contracted sign management for eleven townships, including maintenance and replacement of 1,300 signs