Northern Plains Tribal Technical Assistance Program 

SUMMARY of Road Safety Audit REPORT 

Road Safety Audit on the Flandreau Santee Sioux Reservation, 

South Dakota 

Project Data 

Date: November 3, 2006 

RSA Team and Participants: 

 

Dennis Trusty – Northern Plains Tribal Technical Assistance Program 

Ted Danks - Northern Plains Tribal Technical Assistance Program 

Background: 

The RSA was conducted on several roads throughout Flandreau Santee Sioux 

Reservation, including South Dakota Highway 32, 480th Avenue, 231st Street, 

Broad Avenue, and Pipestone Avenue. These roadways were selected as RSA 

sites in order to identify road safety issues that may lead to vehicular and 

pedestrian accidents. 

RSA Process: 

The RSAs were performed by conducting field studies and observations along 

portions of each roadway. The RSA Team closely examined several factors 

along each roadway, including roadway signage, road/lane conditions, and 

pedestrian walkways. The findings were then reviewed and synthesized to help 

identify any safety issues or concerns. 

RSA Stage: Existing Roads

Major RSA Findings 

Issue 1: No major safety concerns 

Location: South Dakota Highway 32 

Description of Safety Issue: 

The RSA Team examined several areas along the South Dakota Highway 32. 

The Team, however, did not find any major safety concerns or issues along this 

portion of roadway. In general, the South Dakota Highway 32 is a well-paved 

road with gentle slopes on the roadway edges. In addition, appropriate traffic 

signage is used throughout the roadway. A representative photograph of South 

Dakota Highway 32 is shown in Figure 1. 

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Northern Plains Tribal Technical Assistance Program 

Figure 1: South Dakota Highway 32 

Suggestion: 

No specific suggestions were provided for South Dakota Highway 32. 

Issue 2: Narrow Lanes 

Location: 480th Avenue 

Description of Safety Issue: 

The RSA Team examined several areas along 480th Avenue. One of the key 

findings on this stretch of roadway was the narrowing of lanes. In some areas, 

the lanes would narrow unexpectedly and appropriate signage informing drivers 

of the lane changes was not available. A representative photograph of 480th 

Avenue is shown in Figure 2. 

Figure 2: 480th Avenue 

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Suggestion: 

The RSA Team recommended that additional lane shift/narrowing signage be 

added along this portion of the roadway. 

Issue 3: No major safety concerns 

Location: 231st Street 

Description of Safety Issue: 

The RSA Team examined several areas along 231st Street. There were no major 

safety concerns along this portion of roadway. 

Suggestion: Not applicable

Issue 4: Improper Traffic Signage 

Location: Broad Avenue 

Description of Safety Issue: 

The RSA Team examined several areas along Broad Avenue and only found 

minor safety concerns. Near the intersection of Broad Avenue and the entrance 

to the Tribal Office, the RSA Team noted that there was a 4-way stop sign at a 3-

way intersection. A representative photograph of Broad Avenue is shown in 

Figure 3. 

 Figure 3: Broad Avenue 

 

Suggestion: The RSA Team recommended that the appropriate 3-way stop sign 

be implemented near the intersection of Broad Avenue and the entrance to the 

Tribal Office.

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Northern Plains Tribal Technical Assistance Program 

Issue 5: Traffic Signage in Disrepair 

Location: County 11th/480th Avenue (on the west side of Casino) 

Description of Safety Issue: 

The RSA Team examined several areas along County 11th/480th Avenue. Near 

the west side of the Casino, the RSA Team noted that the stop sign ahead 

signage is completely faded and lacks the appropriate color. This may make it 

difficult for drivers to observe the stop sign during the nighttime or in inclement 

weather. In addition, some of the pedestrian walkway striping near the Casino 

appears faded or discolored. A representative photograph of County 11th/480th

Avenue is shown in Figure 4. 

Figure 4: County 11th/480th Avenue 

 

Suggestion: The RSA Team recommended that all faded or outdated advance 

stop signs be removed or updated. The new stop signs should have the 

appropriate colors and retroreflectivity levels to ensure adequate visibility. In 

addition, all faded or outdated crosswalk striping along the County 11th/480th 

Avenue should be repainted or resurfaced. 

Issue 6: Lack of Pedestrian Walkway 

Location: Pipestone Avenue 

Description of Safety Issue: 

The RSA Team examined several areas along Pipestone Avenue. Although 

there were no major safety concerns along this stretch of roadway, the RSA 

Team noted that there was no walking path from the town to Flandreau City Park. 

The lack of a walkway may force pedestrians to walk or ride bikes alongside 

Pipestone Avenue. As a result, this may increase pedestrian roadway exposure. 

Suggestion: It is recommended that a walking path be considered from the town 

to the Flandreau City Park. This will provide safer pedestrian access on 

Pipestone Avenue. 

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Northern Plains Tribal Technical Assistance Program 

Other RSA Findings 

One of the main issues for the Flandreau Tribe is sign maintenance. Many of the 

signs located throughout the Reservation are outdated and in disrepair. Several 

of the traffic signs need to be replaced due to discoloration or lack of proper 

retroreflectivity levels. 

In addition, many of the street names throughout the Flandreau Reservation are 

confusing, with up to three different names given for the same road or street. 

The street names often vary depending on the direction of travel or they may 

change as the road traverses through different jurisdictions. 

For example, 480th Avenue is also known as Moody County Road 11 or South 

Veterans Street depending on the direction of travel. Tribal representatives may 

want to consider standardizing or reducing the number of street names to help 

drivers traveling through the Flandreau Santee Sioux Reservation. 

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