Mn/DOT reminds public about damaged mailbox procedures

BAXTER, Minn.— The Minnesota Department of Transportation has received concerns from citizens about mailboxes damaged in central Minnesota after efforts to clear snow from multiple storms. Please note the following reminders about mailboxes along state highways:

· Owners are responsible for the care and replacement of damaged mailboxes unless directly hit by a snowplow.

· Mailboxes with damaged or worn latches should be replaced. Wind and heavy snow can cause a mailbox door to fall open if the latch isn’t working properly.

· Mailbox reflectors should be blue or clear. Motorists may confuse red and orange reflectors with vehicle tail lights, which could draw them toward the mailbox when visibility is limited.

· Newspaper holders, chains and other types of ornamental displays under the mailbox add to the size and weight of the mailbox and limit room for plow clearance.

Mn/DOT follows up on all mailbox damage complaints and appreciates cooperation from mailbox owners when investigating damages. To report a mailbox hit by a snowplow along a state highway in central Minnesota, call 218-828-5700 (Baxter), or 320-223-6500 (St. Cloud).