The Door County Highway Department hopes to restore full access to area roads for residents by the end of the day Thursday.

Department officials issued their third update of the week Wednesday, as snowplow drivers have been working since Sunday to clear the county following record snowfall that brought more than 30 inches to some areas.

In some cases, highway department workers have had to rely on graders and loaders to break down and remove large snowbanks and drifts caused by heavy snowfall and wind gusts exceeding 50 mph. Towing stranded vehicles has also slowed snow removal efforts.

While motorists are expected to regain access to all county roads by the end of the day, officials acknowledge that not every road will be able to support two lanes of traffic.

Drivers are encouraged to travel with caution in these areas, especially on hills and curves.

It is estimated that it will take until next week to widen roads and push back snowbanks.

The full update can be read below.