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1. What roads does the Clay County Highway Department maintain?

The Highway Department is responsible for maintaining roads and streets in unincorporated Clay County.  Missouri highways with number or letter names, US highways, and Interstate highways are maintained by the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). All streets within city limits are maintained by that city. Visit our Report a Concern Page for a map of Clay County as well as a list of area cities and counties.

2. How is the Highway Department funded?

The Highway Department budget is limited to the funds allocated by the County Commission each year and to additional revenue received through MoDOT from state and federal funding. Commission funding is obtained through sales taxes in Clay County and the Highway Department also receives a portion of the Use Tax collected in Clay County. Additionally, State statute requires that the Road and Bridge tax collected in Clay County is first allocated to cities and special road districts with the remainder allocated to the Highway Department.

3. What is “right of way”?

"Right-of-way" is the land on which a public road is built. In Clay County, the right-of-way usually extends 30' to the left and right from the center of the road. In some subdivisions, the right-of-way distances may vary. Please check with the Highway Department about the right-of-way for specific locations. The Highway Department is responsible for maintaining the right-of-way as needed for traffic safety. This includes allowing utility easements.

Residents should note that public right- of-ways should remain clear of landscaping and structures (fences, retaining walls, sprinkler systems, trees, etc.) Any such items in the public right-of-way are placed at the property owner's risk and are the responsibility of the property owner. Highway Department personnel make every effort not to damage these areas, but the roadways and ditches must be maintained. If it is necessary for County vehicles to be on private property, the Highway Department will contact the property owner to make the necessary arrangements.

4. How do I report a road concern?

Use the online form on the Report a Concern Page.

5. Will the Highway Department pick up dead deer or other animals on County roads?

We have no way to dispose of a dead animal, therefore, we cannot remove carcasses. If a deer or other animal is on or near the roadway and is creating a traffic hazard, the Highway Department will move the carcass off the roadway.

6. Will the Highway Department cut brush on County right-of-ways?

If brush causes a visibility or maintenance hazard, the Highway Department will cut brush on the County right-of-way. Brush cutting primarily occurs in the spring and fall.

7. Will the Highway Department mow County right-of-ways?

Yes. Each mowing season, the department mows along roadways in our jurisdiction. Right-of-ways are mowed at least once each season and more often if possible.

Rural Clay County citizens are encouraged to regularly maintain/mow a minimum of a 3-foot radius around mailboxes to improve visibility for Highway Department mowing crews, reducing the likelihood of mailbox damage during the mowing season.

8. Are salt and sand used to treat snow/ice on gravel roads?

No. Salt and sand can cause damage to gravel roads, so gravel roads that become slick are plowed/maintained with a motor grader.

9. Who is responsible for cleaning out my driveway tube?

The property owner is responsible for maintaining the driveway tube.

10. Who is responsible for maintaining ditches and under-roadway culverts?

Clay County Highway Department personnel inspect and repair ditches as well as under-roadway culverts to ensure adequate drainage and erosion control measures.

11. Does the County repair damaged mailboxes caused by snow removal?

Mailboxes that are properly maintained and correctly located per established federal guidelines will withstand snow coming off plows. The County is not responsible for damage that occurs due to snow discharge. View Clay County's Winter Road Maintenance Policy (PDF)

12. How do I file a claim?

To file a claim, please Email the Highway Department the following information:

• Your name and contact information (mailing address, phone number, email address), and
• A statement detailing what occurred including, but not limited to, date, time, weather conditions, speed and direction of travel, location, and any other details relevant to your claim, and
• A quote, receipt, or invoice for repair costs, and
• A photo/photos of the item or vehicle and close-ups of the affected item or area of your vehicle.

All items may be submitted via email. Once received by our office, everything is forwarded to the risk management department. The insurance company will then be contacted to begin the claim process. Any further communication about a claim will come from the insurance company. Submission of these items does not indicate or guarantee Clay County's acceptance of liability or responsibility.