HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
2010 Road Work Schedule
The Road and Bridge Department work diligently to remove snow to make our roads clear and safe. The township is divided by areas and is systematically worked to get the job completed.
High priority roads are first during snowstorms receiving one pass each way to provide access for residents and emergency vehicles. After the snow has ended, street and cul-de-sacs in subdivisions are then cleared. After the snow has stopped, crews return to try and clear snow curb to curb or edge of pavement to edge of pavement. This is based on the amount of accumulation. Accumulation can limit where snow can be placed and if roads can be fully opened. In minimal snowfalls, plowing operators salt or cinder at curves and intersections that have stop signs.
Residents and snow removal contractors are prohibited from depositing snow or ice from private property to any public roadways, sidewalks or against fire hydrants. Residents should notify their snow removal contractors of this requirement. The township does not do private driveways.
Damage to mailboxes does sometimes happen during heavy snows. The township will replace a mailbox that has been established damaged by the township. Replacement is limited to standard mailboxes and a post available at a local supply store. Replacement will be completed weather permitting. The township does not replace elaborate decorated or custom made mailboxes and posts.
Residents should be aware that the down-side to plowing roads is that snow ends up in driveways. Drivers must follow township policy and can not plow driveways or entrances. This procedure is not allowed to give the best snow removal possible in the fastest manner to residents. The township gets many calls for snow removal contractors names. A list has been created and two names have been submitted for contact: Jay McCullough Cell number 306-3661, Kenny Paoni Home 629-7054, Cell 416-5530. To be added, please contact the township at 523-4210.
In Clear Lake Township there are troublesome areas with drifting snow. Those areas with this type of snow drifting are broken through at the driveway areas by the township or have snow fences supplied.
Conditions sometimes require delays by the township to get around to all areas quickly. Blowing and drifting snow will sometimes delay time to subdivisions and secondary roads.
Residents needing medical assistance can call 911 or Sangamon County Sheriff's office. Otherwise they can leave a message at 523-4210.
Clear Lake Township's Road and Bridge Department maintains approximately 60 miles of road and 14 subdivisions. The department consists of a Road Commissioner also known as a Highway Commissioner and two full time employees. This area covers the functions of the department and information on Street Repair, Drainage Ditches, Culverts, Private Driveways, Snow Removal, and other Jurisdictions.
The main functions of this department consists of:
Street Repair
& Maintenance
Every year the Road Commissioner publishes the list of road work to be completed within the Township. This notification is the only notification given to the residents. It is very important that if maintenance or repairs are being done in your area, to yield to these work areas to protect the safety of our employees and to protect vehicles and roads from damage.
1. Surface Milling Etherton Lane & East side of Walnut Road
2. Replacement of Cul de sacs in Westview Subdivision
3. Sidewalk replacement—Dean Park
4. Drainage Work:
Stephenson Lane
White Estates
Raylots
Oakcrest
Roads to be Oiled:
Gabriel Road
Craven’s Road
Pakey Road
Jostes Road
Desch
Overpass Road
CCX Road
Pet Cemetery Road
CULVERTS
Homeowners should contact the Township if they would like to install a culvert. This applies to whether you, a private contractor or the township will be doing the installation.
Proper installation is important to ensure the proper pitch is determined for installation and that the system will operate at a maximum efficiency both on your property and the drainage area.
The township does charge to install a culvert. Residents are asked to call the office and the Road Commissioner will visit the site and quote a proper sized culvert and the costs involved in the installation.
Private Driveways
Drainage Ditches
The two most common complaints are "There's standing water in the ditch in front of my home," and "My culvert is clogged". Ditch and culvert systems are in place to handle the right of way and property drainage. They are designed to collect moisture from the pavement and elevated property, and drain into the proper areas. These drainage areas are the responsibility of the residents and the township.
Residents are responsible for keeping leaves and debris from building up. It is not recommended for residents to burn in drainage areas. This helps keep the debris from clogging culverts and drainpipes. Ditch maintenance by the homeowner includes raking leaves, mowing grass and removing debris. If you do get a clog, usually water pressure from a garden hose should be enough to clear it. However, if dirt and debris have become packed, it is advisable to call the Township for assistance.
Though ditches remove most excess rainwater, it is not unusual for a small amount of water to remain in a ditch until it is absorbed into the ground or evaporates; usually up to 20 days. This is especially true in early spring or late fall when water tables are higher and/or the ground may be frozen. If this occurs, call the township office so that we can inspect the area for problems.
Clear Lake Township does not oil, rock or blacktop any private driveways. If the Township is in the area, they will be happy to supply you with the name of the contractor who is working in conjunction with the township. When we are in the area, this contractor will usually charge for his services to add your private work to the job they are presently doing or to a list of who will be getting work done.
Other Maintenance Juridictions Within the Township
The township gives mutual aid to other governmental agencies. Residents must call that agency and not the township. The agency will call to arrange assistance from the maintenance department.
Sangamon County Public Health 535-3100
Sangamon County Complex 753-6600
Village of Riverton 629-9122
Village of Rochester 498-7062
State of Illinois 782-2347
Village of Spaulding 629-8188
Road & Bridge Department
Alex Lyons
Road Commissioner
Employees -
Tom Dyer
Darin Whitten
SNOW REMOVAL
Oiled Subdivisions:
Strawberry Lane
Riverbirch
Whispering Woods
Country Towne
Dean Park
Westview
Primrose
Little Eagle
Polo Club
Misc. Repairs:
Culvert’s
Tree & brush cutting
Patching
Drainage
All roadwork & projects are subject to change due to weather and oil/rock prices
Do you know what the average cost of a mile of road to oil costs?
1 mile by 20’ wide takes 3520 gallons of oil @ $2.47 a gal and 176 ton of chips @ $14.28 a ton.
1 mile cost excluding labor, fuel & equipment?
$11,207.68
DID YOU KNOW?
What does the average cost of one of the Townships truck cost for Snow Removal??
One truck with 10 ton of salt & fly ash cost $400.00. This does not include the costs of labor, fuel and the overtime.