News Brief -- Road Conditions

  • Published
  • 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  Ellsworth has three road conditions in place to be observed by its motorists: green, yellow and red. 

Green -- normal installation traffic rules are in effect

Yellow --  a 10 mph reduction in the posted speed limit, and drivers are further cautioned to remain clear of all snow removal equipment;

Red -- all motorists must observe a maximum speed limit of 10 mph on general roadways and 5 mph in family housing areas -- limited to essential travel only.

Essential travel refers to military personnel on duty, family members traveling to a place of employment, emergencies and situations of the like.

The mission support group commander decides on road condition levels based on recommendations from the 28th Security Forces Squadron.

If a military member commits a traffic infraction during condition red, they can accumulate up to eight points on their driving record for reckless driving combined with driving too fast for conditions. After 12 points in one year, a member can lose their driving privileges.

Road condition recommendations may also be accompanied by one of four weather emergency terms established for the base: telephone stand-by, early dismissal, delayed reporting and late reporting. 

Telephone stand-by may be implemented by the commander during severe weather conditions develop before the start of the normal daytime work shift and the commander declares it necessary.

Early dismissal occurs when a severe condition develops during the work day which warrants dismissal of all non-emergency personnel. Release will be phased following the establishment of the H-Hour.

The H-Hour is the time designated by the wing commander when units are authorized to begin releasing staff members. Phased early releases will be authorized based on the location of a person's residence.

When a weather condition occurs prior to the normal daytime work schedule, it may only warrant specific emergency snow removal or storm-essential personnel; others will remain on telephone stand-by. The weather may also result in delayed reporting. In the case of delayed reporting, all personnel will report for duty when directed by their respective units.

Members are reminded to note that all road condition declarations are independent of installation operational conditions.

A declaration of road condition red does not necessarily warrant an early dismissal, nor does telephone stand-by always correlate with current road conditions, as base closures are directed by the base commander, and road conditions stem from recommendations made by security forces.

Motorists should also ensure that their vehicle contains a winter survival kit which includes water, non-perishable food, blankets, a flashlight and cat litter or salt for added traction.

For current road conditions, tune into AM 1610 or call (605) 385-ROAD (7623), and for more information on base procedures, consult Ellsworth Air Force Base Instructions 10-207 and 31-204.