Road district deals with culverts

Road District 18 officers observe a culvert's impact on snow plowing.

Culverts cut in roads west of Sisters are doing a great job at draining run-off -- but they're a problem when it snows.

The Road District 18 board discussed culvert problems on the Suttle Lake Road (Road 2070) at its Friday, November 30, meeting.

Located in Jefferson County, this road is a Forest Service road and is managed by Road District 18. Gary Lovegren, a local area resident, plows Road 2070.

The Forest Service contracted out to have six culverts cut for water runoff along Road 2070. With the advent of the snow season these uncapped culverts are causing problems for snow removal operations.

When the snowplow blade skims along the road surface blades can catch on the culverts and be damaged. If the blades are raised higher it permits dangerous accumulation of ice on the road surface.

Reportedly, Forest Service engineers see no problem with the uncapped culverts. Also, they have no funds to alter the situation. Further, this road is due for repaving as part of the Suttle Lake Resort project renovation during summer 2002. Jefferson County has no interest in repairing this road and relies on Road District 18 to manage the situation.

"They are a problem now and will get worse by spring when we get water runoff. These uncapped culverts will form deeper ruts and make driving hazardous," said District Road Master Dave Blann. He is suggesting using CTB filler to cap the culverts. However, there are some questions about who pays for the material and work.

Suttle Lake is located off Highway 20 at about 3,500 feet elevation. There are private residences and church and youth camps served by Road 2070. Located below Hoodoo, winter weather and snow tend to be stronger in this area than in nearby Camp Sherman.

Negotiations will continue between Road District 18, the Forest Service and residents.

In other Road District business, Blann reported expenditure of $811.45 this season to-date for snow plowing by Wellspring, a private contractor used by the Road District. Blann also reported backhoe operations that have improved road conditions in the district.

Blann stated that vehicles on county roads blocking snow removal operations would be towed away. Vehicles blocking snow removal operations on Road District 18 roads will cause an operator to stop plowing at the blockage and exit the area. This leaves the area past the blockage unplowed and the operator will leave a message for the offending vehicle.

This procedure removes the Road District from possible litigation, according to the board.

District Treasurer Kevin Adams reported a current balance of $25,534.20 for the Road District.

The next Road District 18 meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 20, at the Camp Sherman fire hall.