Winter Maintenance

There is no magical amount of snowfall required before plowing begins.  We aim to have roads convenient for travel as early as possible following a snow event.

Heavily traveled county roads and problem areas are the first to be addressed.  Lower volume neighborhood and rural streets are plowed next.

We designed our policies to provide the highest possible quality of service.  Unpredictable weather events and financial constraints make it impossible to make winter roads absolutely safe.  Please be patient with us as we strive to keep your roads open.

When a significant snow or ice event occurs, it will take approximately 24 hours from the end of the storm to clear the main paved roads.  Clearing on gravel roads and subdivision streets will most likely begin 36 to 48 hours after the last snowflake has fallen.  All streets should be cleared within 96 to 120 hours from the end of the storm.  Significant delays to this schedule are probable if heavy winds and drifting are experienced after the end of the snowfall.

Most snow- or ice-related accidents are caused by driving at speeds too fast for existing conditions.

The County Road Association of Michigan asks motorists to wear their seatbelts, allow extra time to reach their destinations, and remember- "Don’t Crowd the Plow!

Trucks typically plow and salt at speeds of 45 miles per hour or less depending on road conditions. Often motorists become impatient and this can lead to life-threatening mistakes.

Plow drivers have limited visibility and cannot see directly behind their trucks. When plowing, a ‘snow cloud" is often thrown up restricting visibility on all sides of the truck.

Road crews put their lives on the line to keep Michigan’s roads safe for travel. A little more patience and awareness will help us all reach our destinations safely this winter.

Snowplows operate by pushing snow to the right.  Piling snow to the right of your driveway and mailbox (as you face the road) will help reduce the amount of snow pushed into or in front of your driveway and mailbox.  Snow must be piled as to not obstruct motorist vision.

"A person shall not remove, or cause to be removed, snow, ice, or slush onto or across a roadway or the shoulder of a roadway in a manner which obstructs the safety vision of the driver of a motor vehicle other that off-road vehicles.  A person shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice or slush on any roadway or highway."  (MCL 257.677a)

Each year, 70 to 100 people are killed in accidents involving rural mailboxes. Many others are permanently injured because mailboxes and their supports penetrate the windshield.

Record snow falls in recent winters have led to an increase in the number of mailboxes damaged by heavy snow thrown from passing plows. Many of these mailboxes have become loose or in need of repair over years of use. Damage to these posts and receptacles could have been prevented by proper routine maintenance.

Will your mailbox survive the upcoming winter season? By taking a few precautions, you can help yourself out.

Even at low speeds, snowplows throw large amounts of snow great distances from the roadway.  This snow can make it difficult for the driver to see children.