OCRC 'The Road' Newsletter -- August 2022

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August 2022 | Volume 12 | Issue 8 | Bookmark and Share

5-year draft SIP available for review, comment

Road Reconstruction

The Road Commission's 2023-2027 Strategic Improvement Plan (SIP) is now in development and the draft version is available for review on the OCRC's website.

This plan is updated annually and is based on a yearly review of county road assets in order to identify improvement needs, and determine economical methods to finance improvement and maintenance projects.

Significant material, fuel and construction cost increases were realized in 2022 and as a result, anticipated construction costs of proposed projects in this draft plan are higher than in previous draft plans.

Included in the draft plan are proposed reconstruction and resurfacing work, preventative maintenance treatments, and drainage improvements. 

It is important to the plan development process to gather input and comments about the proposed projects from our local governmental partners and the general public before the plan is finalized and approved by the Road Commission Board.

Comments and input on the 2023-27 draft plan should be submitted to us by Sept. 9, 2022. These comments are strongly encouraged and greatly appreciated.

Have questions, comments, or require additional information? Contact our office at 616–842–5400 or info@ottawacorc.com.


Remember to be on alert for roadside workers

Worker Safety
Safe Construction Zone

The tragic death of a road maintenance worker at the Berrien County Road Department last month while clearing a downed tree from the road serves as another reminder to motorists to drive safely in and around work zones.

While our roadside work crews work hard to remain vigilant about their surroundings, we also rely on motorists to do their part to help keep work zones safe.

Please make sure you pay attention and remain alert at all times. We want to make sure you get to your destination safely, and we also want members of our team to make it home safe to their families at the end of the day.

Here are some helpful tips for traveling around construction zones during the busy road work season:

Expect Changes

Normal speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may change, and workers, vehicles, or equipment may enter without warning. 
Dedicate your full attention to the road. Avoid using phones or other distracting behaviors while driving in a work zone.

Crews know what is best for moving traffic safely in work zones. Follow all signs and instructions to merge, slow down, or stop.

Fines double for speeding in a Michigan work zone, so slow down. Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.

Vehicles may slow, stop, or change lanes unexpectedly in a work zone. Watch for brake lights and be prepared to react to traffic.

Work zones are not there to inconvenience you. They are necessary to improve our roads and make your future drive better.


All about road culverts and storm drain systems

Road Culvert Installation

Did you know: Culverts beneath the road serve to convey water from one area to another, and in most cases, from one side of the road to the other.

Storm sewer systems include a network of water collection structures and pipes, generally found under the roadway, that convey water from the surface of the roadway to the appropriate natural or man-made drainage outlet.

The function of these culverts and storm sewers are integral in preserving the adjacent roadway from the damages of too much water.

As such, maintaining these culverts under the road is integral to road maintenance. Failure to properly maintain road culverts can be a detriment to the road and a hazard to motorists.

The Road Commission continuously inspects road culverts. If warranted, the repair and replacement of culverts is performed on a priority basis utilizing available funding.


Schools wanted to paint-a-plow in 2022-23

Kids Painting A Plow

School will soon be back in session for the 2022-23 school year, and the Ottawa County Road Commission wants interested classrooms to help decorate plows!

Teachers and school administrators in Ottawa County who think their classrooms have what it takes to design a creative plow for our trucks are encouraged to get ahold of us! 

Painted plows are frequently featured in community events such as parades, touch-a-truck events, school visits and more, in addition to being seen out on the road each winter!

Those who are interested are asked to contact OCRC Communications Administrator Alex Doty for more information.