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Residents Tell Council Avalanche Road Is ‘Terrible’; Staff Says Transfer Talks Underway With County
Summary
Residents urged the city to address severe washboarding and safety hazards on Avalanche Road — a county-maintained route used heavily for dump traffic — and staff said transfer/maintenance discussions with the county are "in the works."
Several residents told the Sturgis City Council the condition of Avalanche Road, the route to the city dump, is hazardous and worsening. Jennifer Burhey told the council the road had become "terrible" and warned, "Somebody's gonna end up getting killed on that road if something doesn't happen." Residents described washboarding, debris and drivers losing traction on the hill.
Council members and staff acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns. Staff and council said Avalanche Road is currently county-maintained, but that the city uses the road heavily because dump traffic follows that route. Public-works staff member Rick said the city has had initial meetings with the county about how the city could take ownership and maintenance responsibilities for the road "and it is in the works." He said the city has mowed ditches and cooperated in maintenance but has not performed blading or dust control on the county section unless directed by the council.
Council did not set a timetable during the meeting. Multiple residents urged a joint city-county approach given the road’s location and use.
Next steps mentioned on the record: staff will continue discussions with the county and the council may consider directing staff to pursue a transfer or more active maintenance depending on budget and council direction.
