Ready For The Snow

DelDOT changes snow removal program and lists the resources available

Dover -- The Snow Removal Reimbursement Program has changed this year, as Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) seeks to make the program more efficient and more beneficial for those civic associations using the program.

One of the changes to the program is the method by which snowfall is measured. Previously, snow was measured over a small square of black asphalt. Starting this winter, however, snow will be measured over a white board, using procedures that closely mirror those of the National Weather Service.

In addition, six new automated snow monitoring stations have been added to the system, bringing the total to eighteen statewide. Additional monitoring locations will better represent snowfall totals across a geographic region. The stations are maintained and monitored by the University of Delaware.

As in previous years, when snowfall measurements reach four inches, those measurements will be posted on www.deldot.gov. DelDOT will update snowfall totals every hour during daylight hours, and depending on the timing and severity of the storm, totals will be updated periodically during the evening hours. Updates are also available by calling 800-652-5600.

New Reimbursement Rates
DelDOT is also increasing many of the rates paid to civic associations. These increased reimbursement rates will lessen the gap in the amount paid by civic associations to snow removal contractors, reducing the association's out-of-pocket expense.

The rate increases are in response to the requests of civic associations who pointed out that the fees paid to the contractors has risen dramatically in recent years. Through the program, civic associations are reimbursed for 75 percent of their snow removal cost, or 75 percent of the amount that DelDOT calculates it would cost to have the roads cleared of snow, whichever is less. To calculate the estimated cost of clearing the roads in subdivisions, DelDOT uses a system based on road miles, and types of roads. Only civic associations with state-maintained streets are eligible for the program. Civic associations wishing to participate in the Snow Removal Reimbursement Program should contact DelDOT to determine eligibility.

A Sample Contract
Last Spring, many officers of civic associations said they would like a sample contract that they could use with the contractor that removes their snow. The civic association officers said they would like to see a sample contract that ties the amount paid to the contractor to the amount reimbursed by DelDOT. In response the requests from civic associations, DelDOT officials drafted a sample contract that civic associations may use when contracting with snow removal contractors.

DelDOT Snow Facts
Equipment: Statewide, there are 446 vehicles available for snow operations. Prior to snow and ice events, the Department pre-treats the highways across the state with liquid salt brine by tankers to reduce bonding of the snow to the pavement at the beginning of the storm event. To plow the roads and spread salt and sand, after snow has accumulated, DelDOT uses heavy-duty snow plows of various types and sizes attached to six and 10-wheeled dump trucks. Other equipment includes snow blowers, road graders and front-end loaders, which are used to clear the many different road conditions in the state system. To ensure that all equipment is in peak condition for winter weather, a thorough inspection of all snow equipment is completed every year in late October and early November.

Materials: An important facet of DelDOT's work is the application of salt and/or sand to road surfaces to prevent or reduce icing, and to provide traction. DelDOT primarily uses salt, along with salt/brine and salt/sand mixtures.
* Approximately 65,000 tons of salt are stockpiled in more than 20 locations throughout the state.
* Due to constant replenishment, the stockpiles are currently full.

Personnel: During significant snow or ice events, nearly 500 employees take part in snow removal operations. This includes drivers, mechanics, dispatchers, and office personnel to handle scheduling of staff, ordering of materials, and reporting of conditions. During particularly lengthy or difficult storms, private contractors, under contract with the Department, may be called upon to assist with snow removal on bus routes, along highway shoulders, and with the clearing of crossover areas and intersections.

Method of Operation: Each of DelDOT's four Maintenance Districts has its own snow removal plan. All roadways are divided into categories with primary/arterial roads and transit routes receiving first and continuous attention (I-95, Route 13, Route 1, Route 202 etc.) Only after the primary/arterial roads are open and passable, will crews move to the secondary/collector, and local roads. "Passable" means that roads can be driven upon, but are not necessarily clear of snow and ice. Changing weather conditions including freezing/thawing, additional accumulation, or drifting, may force crews to return to primary roads even after operations have started on secondary roads. DelDOT maintains 89 percent of all roadways in Delaware. That equals approximately 12,900 total lane miles.