The OCRC will be closed for the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The OCRC will be closed on Friday, Sept. 1, and Monday, Sept. 4, 2023.

The OCRC offices will reopen on Tuesday, Aug. 5, at 7:30 a.m.

The Ottawa County Road Commission has posted its draft 2024-2028 Strategic Improvement Plan on its website for review. 

The OCRC invites public and stakeholder input on the draft document from now until Sept. 18, 2023.

The draft 2024-2028 SIP, as well as opportunities to comment, are available on our website. Those with questions/comments are invited to email us or use the SIP comment form on our website.

It is important to the plan development process to gather input and comments about the proposed projects from the public and local governmental partners prior to the plan being finalized and approved by the Road Commission Board in late September.

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.

Included in the draft plan are proposed reconstruction and resurfacing work on primary and local roads, preventative maintenance treatments, and drainage and bridge improvements.

Implementation of the projects listed in the draft SIP will be based on receipt of identified funding sources and are subject to change based budgetary constraints or other factors.

Did you know that the state's "Move Over" laws apply to road maintenance workers, as well?

The state's "Move Over" law requires motorists to slow down and move over for stationary authorized vehicles with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights activated.

The law applies to these vehicles:

• Police
• Fire
• Rescue
• Ambulance
• Road service (tow trucks and MDOT courtesy vehicles)
• Road Maintenance
• Utility Service
• Solid Waste Hauler

When approaching a stationary authorized vehicle with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights activated, carefully slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and fully move over into an open lane.

If this isn't possible due to traffic, weather, or road conditions, slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and pass with caution, giving the authorized vehicle as much space as possible.

It's that time of year where once again we're all sharing the road with students who are returning to the classroom, both on foot, on buses and in parent vehicles.

The National Safety Council (NSC) has the following tips for back-to-school safety:

School Bus Safety

According to research by the NSC, most children who lose their lives in bus-related incidents are 4 to 7 years old, and they're walking. They are hit by the bus, or by a motorist illegally passing a stopped bus.

The Michigan State Police encourages parents to share these essential tips with kids:

• Pick a Safe Spot: Choose a safe waiting area away from traffic and streets.
• Buddy Up: Always walk to the bus stop with a friend.
• Stay Calm: Avoid running or playing while waiting for the bus.
• Stay Visible: Never go behind the bus and stay in the driver's view.
• Wait for the Signal: Don't board until the bus stops and the driver signals.
• Cross Safely: Follow traffic signals and crossing guards.
• Be Cautious: Don't talk to strangers, and let parents know if approached.
• Stay in Sight: Never enter a stranger's vehicle.

Drivers are reminded to follow the state’s school bus stop laws:

• Yellow Lights: Slow down when the bus's yellow lights flash.
• Red Lights: Stop at least 20 feet away when red lights flash. Wait for the bus to move and the driver's signal.
• Hazard Lights: Be cautious when hazard lights near the bus's headlights flash.

If You're Dropping Off Students

Schools often have very specific drop-off procedures for the school year. The following apply to all school zones:

• Don't double park; it blocks visibility for other children and vehicles.
• Don't load or unload children across the street from the school.
• Carpool to reduce the number of vehicles at the school.