1.0 Purpose of Procedure:
1.1 This procedure will outline the HCN Transportation Authority (further known as HTA) responsibilities for snowplowing and ice control
applications, and to insure these duties are performed in a responsible and timely manner with all due considerations for the safety of the
public and staff. Winter maintenance shall be performed on the roads in a manner that is consistent to this procedure. It is stressed that every
snowstorm is different, and it is the intent of this Winter Maintenance Procedure to be adhered to as a general guide, and not as a set of rigid
rules.
2.0 Rationale:
2.1 The HTA is currently responsible for over 33 miles of roads located in Black River Falls, Nekoosa, Tomah, Baraboo, Wittenberg, and the
Wisconsin Dells areas. By State Statute 81.15, the Nation has three (3) weeks to remove natural snow and ice accumulations on the roads. The
Authority’s goal is to maintain roads for safe winter driving conditions as weather, equipment, and budget allows, striving for passable roadway
conditions during the storm event with bare pavement as soon as practical after the event has happened.
3.0 Responsible Official Job Title:
3.1 Transportation Authority – Chief Roads Officer
4.0 Procedure:
4.1 Maintaining the driving lanes as a passable roadway during the winter storm event.
4.1.1 A passable roadway is defined as a roadway surface that is free from drifts and snow ridges and as much ice and snow pack as is practical
and can be traveled safely at reasonable speeds.
4.1.2 The definition of reasonable speed is considered a speed that a vehicle can travel without losing traction. During and immediately after a
winter storm event, a reasonable speed will most likely be lower than the posted speed limit.
4.1.3 A passable roadway should not be confused with a dry pavement which is essentially free of all ice and snow. This condition may not exist
until the weather condition improves to the point where this pavement condition can be provided.
4.2 Plowing is the first priority for snow removal.
De-icing agents, if available, will be used to maintain a passable roadway during the storm event if there are no safety concerns for the driver.
4.2.1 When the winter storm event ends and conditions allow, removal of any packed snow and ice to continue working towards the goals of
bare/wet pavement.
4.2.2 Taking into consideration such things as the amount of the snowfall, safety for the driver, time of day, time of year, duration of the snow
storm, predicted forecast of future storms, equipment breakdowns, extreme temperatures and general realization that all weather events are
not predictable. This procedure must remain flexible and take into consideration these variables.
4.3 Private Driveway & Private Roads.
The HTA is prohibited from plowing private driveways and private roads. Furthermore no individual or contractor shall place snow onto the road
way surface or right-of-way causing unsafe conditions for the public as per Wisconsin State Statute 86.022.
4.4 The HTA Chief Roads Officer, or designee, has the authority to suspend snow and ice control operations in severe storm conditions, where
there may be danger to the operator or it is not practical or cost effective to continue the snow and/or ice removal operations.
4.5 Parking.
Parking shall be prohibited within the Tribal Roads right-of-way until the operations of snow and ice removal has ceased.
4.6 Complaints.
Complaints shall be received at the HTA Office, Tomah Complex at 28902 Highway 21 Tomah, WI. (608) 374-3950.
4.7 Mailboxes.
Operators are instructed to be very cautious near mailboxes. In most cases, a properly installed and maintained mailbox will permit snow to be
cleared. Most cases of damaged mailboxes are caused by heavy snow coming in contact with the box.
4.7.1 The HTA shall replace only mailboxes hit by the plow. It will be determined by the Highway Maintenance Superintendent or designee
if the mailbox has been hit by a plow or by operations of snow and ice removal. Decorative mailboxes and/or posts will not be provided for
replacement.
4.7.2 It is the responsibility of the homeowner to ensure the snow and ice is removed from the front of the mailbox for mail delivery.
4.8 Snow Removal and Salting Procedure:
4.8.1 Through the use of local road condition information, such as; local Sheriff, Police
Department reports, National Weather Service forecasts and observations, local
TV, radio and internet systems, the Highway Maintenance Superintendent or designee will monitor weather conditions for potential problems.
4.8.2 Salting and plowing routes are established and assigned to the operators. Routes will be followed unless otherwise specified by the HTA
Maintenance Superintendent.
4.8.3 If at any time, for any reason, any additional equipment is needed, the HTA Maintenance Superintendent or designee will see that
additional equipment is called in and directed as needed.
4.8.4 During the early stages of a snowstorm, salting and plowing will be maintained until such time as the majority of traffic is able to move to
and from work or home and school bus routes are completed.
4.8.5 Salting of intersections and roadways will continue until such times that routes are completed or suspended due to excess amounts of
snow, salting operations will than cease.
5.0 Procedure History:
10/28/20: Issued by HTA Chief Roads Officer