The Ottawa County Road Commission is proud to be participating in the “Toys for Tots” program this year!
The OCRC has a drop box located in the main office lobby, located at 14110 Lakeshore Dr. in Grand Haven, that the public can use to drop off items. The office is open Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You can drop off new, unwrapped toys to these drop boxes now through Dec. 18!
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 As our team gets busy plowing the roads during the winter, we remind motorists to
do their part to keep travel safe.
Icy road fatalities account for more deaths (3.6 times more) than all other weather hazards combined in the US.
Prepare for the road this season by following these tips:
- Do not attempt to pass snow plow vehicles while they are plowing. Never
attempt to pass a snow plow on the right.
- Do not crowd the plow! Plow drivers have limited visibility and they cannot see directly behind their trucks. Please be aware that snowplow trucks may back up at intersections.
- Be sure your windshield and other windows are clear. Also ensure that washer fluids are full, tires have proper air pressure and tread, and your vehicle is equipped with essential emergency equipment.
- Drive for the conditions at hand. Posted speeds are for ideal road conditions. Michigan law requires motorists to drive at a “careful and prudent speed” in all conditions. Reduce speeds and increase following distances.
- Accelerate and brake slowly. Avoid over-steering.
- Beware of ice patches and “black ice”. Bridges and overpasses freeze first.
- Avoid distractions. Don't talk on your cellphone or text and drive.
- Always wear your safety belt. Also ensure all passengers are properly buckled, and children are in appropriate child-restraints.
 The sinking feeling you feel when the end of your freshly shoveled driveway is buried in snow from a passing plow truck can easily be avoided.
To avoid this dreaded "second shovel," simply clear an area before your driveway large enough for the snow coming off the snowplow blade to be deposited (to the right as you face your home or business).
Additionally, shovel your snow in the direction of traffic flow, depositing snow to the left as you face your home or business.
This is also the best location to place your mailbox in order reduce the possibility of damage.
However, be sure to check with the U.S. Post Office first before moving your mailbox, as they may have certain requirements for the placement of the mailbox and where it needs to be located.
To help illustrate these best practices, you can refer to the above illustration created by the County Road Association of Michigan, which shows the best way to manage snow removal in your driveway.
A little strategizing while shoveling your driveway can save you both time and frustration at the end of the day.
Despite the best efforts of the winter maintenance crews, lawns along the edge of the road may occasionally be damaged during snow removal.
If you've experienced lawn damage along the road right of way due to winter maintenance activities, you're asked to contact the Road Commission at (616) 842-5400 on normal business days between 7:30 AM and 4 PM.
You may also utilize our online service request form.
Your address will be placed on a list for spring cleanup once all the snow is melted. Lawn damage is restored by Road Commission crews with the placement of topsoil and grass seed.
To minimize lawn damage, the Road Commission installs wooden stakes at various locations to mark the edge of pavement prior to the first snow event.
The stakes are typically installed at intersections or curves within subdivision streets that are difficult for snowplow drivers to judge.
These stakes may break off after a couple of plowing operations, but they do serve a purpose in establishing appropriate plowing limits so please try and keep these stakes in place.
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The Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds (LGROW) each year reminds folks to practice good salt usage practices when using household deicers on driveways and sidewalks.
A little salt goes a long way to help melt snow. Excess salt ends up in waterways and causes serious harm to aquatic ecosystems.
Here are some tips for contractors and property owners who use salt this winter:
- Pile snow on grassy areas to minimize snow that may refreeze, reducing future deicing applications.
- Clear snow prior to salting.
- More frequently plow, blow or remove new snow before any deicing applications.
- Use chloride-free alternatives on sidewalks and around entrances.
Additionally, LGROW reminds folks to always keep salt stored inside and in a covered area to reduce the risk of runoff and pollution.
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The final version of the Ottawa County Road Commission 2024-28 Strategic Improvement Plan is now available on the OCRC website.
Click here to download the new plan.
The SIP identifies the county's transportation assets and their condition, and indicates how the Road Commission plans to maintain and improve the overall condition of these assets.
The SIP provides a strategic blueprint from which OCRC can align funds and other resources to meet the objectives identified to improve, maintain, and preserve OCRC transportation assets.
The SIP highlights anticipated revenue sources, planned road and drainage improvements, expenditures for routine maintenance, traffic and safety, equipment, facility improvements, and more.
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