The Road Commission has the responsibility to make sure its roads are safe and clear for travel. In the winter, this means plowing and treating the roads for ice and snow. When winter hits hard in West Michigan, it can affect us all, and there are some things that the residents can do in their own neighborhoods to help in keeping the roads safe and clear:

1.      When clearing your driveway, never push the snow on to the road.

            It’s not the neighborly thing to do, and under Michigan law, it is illegal to put snow from your property out into the road. Pushing snow into the road from your driveway or sidewalk can create dangerous conditions for people driving by. If enough people in your neighborhood shovel or blow their snow into a plowed road, then it can make your neighborhood roads more hazardous to drive. Help us keep the roads and neighborhoods clear and safe by clearing and piling snow to the right of your driveway, and make sure it’s off the road.

2.      Make sure you keep your trash can clear of the road.

            Keep in mind that when Road Commission trucks are out plowing they are pushing up a lot of snow. Often, it’s difficult to see objects that are directly on the side of the road. So, to help snow plow and other drivers, and to keep your trash can from getting knocked over, it’s best to make sure it’s set off the road. The best plan is to shovel a spot for it next to your driveway and leave plenty of room between it and the road to help avoid it being hit.

3.      Keep items, such as portable basketball hoops, off the road and road shoulder.

            To ensure that our trucks can properly clear the road, make sure that you don’t have items in the road or directly on the road shoulder that could interfere with plowing. Oftentimes, things are left on the road after the first snow, from small things like bikes and sleds to large things like basketball hoops. To help avoid damage to your property and to allow us to safely plow the roads, make sure that these items are cleaned up and off the road.

            If we all work together during winter, then we can help make sure the roads in Ottawa County stay as clear and safe as possible. 

          This past August the Road Commission got the chance to work with the American Galvanizers Association (AGA) in highlighting a significant bridge here in Ottawa County. The Bridge over Stearns Bayou, also known as the Green Street Bridge, is a significant historic bridge, not just here in Ottawa County, but across the industry.  The reason AGA took an interest in the bridge is that the Stearns Bayou Bridge is the first galvanized bridge to be built in the US.

            Built in 1966, the galvanizing on the bridge has stood the test of time and the AGA hopes to use it as an example of the longevity and sustainability of galvanized bridges. As part of their visit, representatives from the AGA took some readings and samples, as well as conducted an interview with Brandt Homik from the Road Commission’s Engineering Department.

            You can find the video about the bridge HERE. They are also expecting an upcoming article in Roads and Bridges Magazine.