WHAT DOES THE ROAD COMMISSION DO?
The road crews make every effort to provide a reasonably safe driving surface as soon as possible. It is the Road Commission’s job to remove the accumulated snow and/or ice from the roadway by either plowing or the application of de-icers or a combination of both. Depending on the intensity and duration of the storm, this clearing may be accomplished in as little as 4 to 6 hours. However, if there are heavy accumulations of snow with blowing and drifting conditions, clearing the roads could take several days.
WHEN DOES WINTER MAINTENANCE BEGIN?
Road crews attempt to begin winter maintenance as adverse conditions develop. Early applications of de-icers to the roads before snow or ice bonds to the pavement make the job much easier. Full time road crews are on duty from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on call, as needed. From mid-November until early spring, a “Night Patrol” crew is on duty from 8:00 p.m. until 4:30 a.m., five days a week and on call, as needed. This crew responds to snowstorms and isolated slippery conditions, such as bridge decks, accident scenes, and/or areas that are prone to drifting on the state trunklines. In the event of a severe storm, winter maintenance crews work extended hours until road conditions improve.
WHICH ROADS ARE PLOWED FIRST?
Traffic volume and surface types primarily determine the priority for response to road conditions. The Road Commission has a contractual agreement with the Michigan Department of Transportation to maintain all freeways and state trunklines within the County. These routes are assigned the highest priority.
Paved (hard surface) roads are the second priority, with the highest traffic volume roads being cleared first, and then onto the intermediate roads.
The priority then shifts to subdivision streets and gravel roads. Salt is applied on icy paved roads and sand is applied to slippery areas on gravel roads.
A year ago, the Board of County Road Commissioners approved a change in the handling of local paved and soft surfaced roads. Due to current revenue challenges, the Road Commission no longer provides snow removal services on overtime for subdivisions and gravel roads, unless there is an accumulation of 3” or more of snow. This procedure does not apply to icy conditions, drifting snow or very heavy accumulations.
WILL A VEHICLE BE TOWED IF IN A SNOW PLOW PATH?
When a winter storm is forecast, vehicles should be removed from the side of the road to allow plows to clear the full road width. Cars abandoned in the right-of-way that interfere with plowing equipment will be ticketed and towed by the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office.
WHAT TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SHOVELING DRIVEWAYS
Homeowners should be aware that shoveling or plowing snow from driveways into or across roads is illegal because it can present a serious traffic hazard to motorists. Instead, pile snow behind the curb or shoulder on your side of the road. Be sure to place snow to the right as you face the road so plows will push it away from, rather than back into, the driveway entrance. It is also important to avoid creating vision obstructions. Care should be taken not to impede the flow of storm water from melting snow in the ditches or culverts. Citizens should also make certain that their trash containers are not placed too close to the edge of the road before snow removal has taken place.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOUR MAILBOX IS KNOCKED OVER OR LANDSCAPE IS DAMAGED?
One of the major problems each year is damage to rural mailboxes. Most mailbox damage occurs when heavy, wet snow is thrown against a weakened post or box. The Road Commission cannot assume responsibility for such damage; if the mailbox or post is damaged by snow thrown by the snow removal vehicles, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to replace the box and post.
“We need to be able to push the snow off the road within our right-of-way, and if the mailbox and post are in good condition, it should be able to endure our snow clearing operations,” explained Jim Harmon, Operations Director.
However, if damage occurred as a result of negligent operation of Road Commission snow removal equipment, a Supervisor will meet with the homeowner to assess the damage for possible replacement. Please keep your mailbox and post in good condition and located behind the curb or beyond the shoulder where it is less likely to be damaged. (Frequently Asked Questions about Mailboxes)
Additionally, private installations within the public right-of-way such as sod, shrubs, sprinkler systems, etc., may be damaged in the process of snow removal or seasonal maintenance work. Damage that may occur is not intentional and in many cases is unavoidable. Because it is the statutory responsibility of the County Road Commission to maintain the roadways and right-of-way property, the agency is not held liable or responsible for any damage caused to private installations located within those roads and/or right-of-ways. The best method for avoiding such damage is to not install landscaping or sprinklers adjacent to the public road.
More on Winter Maintenance Guidelines
Contact
If you require assistance with media information, please contact Val Cooper, Public Information Officer, at (734) 327-6675 or via email at: cooperv@wcroads.org.