SNOW REMOVAL

 

STANDING ROCK TRIBAL ROADS DEPARTMENT

SNOW REMOVAL POLICY:

 

POLICY STATEMENT: it is the policy of the Standing Rock Roads Department to remove snow from the 638 highways/gravel roads safely and quickly, and to provide reasonable ice control, while taking into consideration the availability of labor, equipment, and funding. This document includes general policies followed by the Standing Rock Tribal Roads Department and its operation pertaining to snow removal.

 

OPERATION HOURS: Normal working hours and office hours are Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm. Work outside of these hours, such as early morning, evening, and weekends, will be at the discretion of the Director/HEO supervisor of Tribal Roads. Typically, during and after a storm, snow removal and sanding operations will be conducted between the hours of 5:00 am to 5:00 pm. Exceptions for potential emergencies will be made as determined appropriate by the Director/HEO supervisor. If there is a medical emergency, please contact the BIA police, ambulance services.

 

OPERATIONS IN ADVERSE CONDITIONS: Equipment will not be dispatched when, in the judgement of the Tribal Roads Director/HEO Supervisor, low visibility or other conditions are such that the risk to operators and other motorists outweighs the benefits. The general guideline is that equipment will not be dispatched when the estimated visibility in open areas is less than 500 feet. In the event of police, fire or medical emergency, vehicles may be dispatched at the discretion of the Director/HEO supervisor of Tribal Roads Department.

 

ROUTE PRIORITIES:

1. 1^st Day – These are major Dialysis/Essential Workers/638 routes and usually will have snow removal operations occur within the first 24 hours of snowfall or blowing/drifting snow.
2. 2^nd Day – These are minor Elderly/Bus routes and usually will have snow removal operations occur within the first 48 hours of snowfall or blowing/drifting snow.
3. 3^rd Day – these are Township/Community streets or local roads and usually will have snow removal operations occur with the first 72 hours of snowfall or drifting/blowing snow.
4. Suspended – these routes have been suspended for snow removal.

 

 

LEVELS OF SERVICE: Standing Rock Tribal Roads Department does not have a bare pavement or bare road policy (scraped all the way to the pavement or gravel) and the roads may not be fully free of snow or ice. The following are general snow and ice removal policies:

1. Snow and ice removal may be limited to daylight hours, depending upon current weather conditions and the snow from the roads will be removed as best as possible.
2. Snow removal typically will begin after two (2) inches of snow had accumulated on paved roads, and four (4) inches of snow had accumulated on the gravel roads and the wind conditions are within limits of visibility.
3. Sanding/De-icing of the roads will be done at a critical intersections hills, curves and other hazardous areas. Snow and ice removal equipment may not be operating when wind velocities exceed 25 miles per hour.
4. Towing or pulling vehicles out after getting stuck will be at the discretion of the operators/drivers, Tribal Roads Department shall not be liable for any type of damages that might occur pulling the vehicle out.

OBSTRUCTIONS: Obstructions on the road right of way such as hay bales, vehicles, of fences which might cause drifting shall be removed by the owners.

1. Hay bales need to be removed from the road right of way before September 30^th, and after that time Tribal Roads may remove the bales or be given to the buffalo program from road right of way. Nonprofits can then request bales from buffalo program pending the availability of bales in the program.
2. The Tribal Roads Department shall not be liable for damage to stalled or stranded vehicles on the traveled portion of the roadway or other obstructions which will interfere with snow and De-ice removal and abrasive placement. The owners of stalled or stranded vehicles should immediately notify the BIA, County Sheriff’s Department. A stalled or stranded vehicle blocking the road needs to be moved as soon as possible, or the vehicle may be towed.
3. Vehicles shall also not be parked on the roadway surface or shoulder, it should be parked outside of the roadway clear zone, which is typically 15 to 20 feet from the roadway.

SNOW PLACED IN ROADWAY/STREETS: Community residents are to avoid adding to hazards of wintertime driving by not placing snow from their driveway onto public streets and right of way. Snow dumped, plowed, pushed, or blown onto the street can create a serious hazard not only for motorists but also for school busses and snowplow equipment. Piles of snow left on or near the streets can freeze into solid mass creating a hazardous situation for vehicles, busses, snowplows. Piles of snow increases the chances of drifting snow onto the streets/roadways