Once primary routes are in good shape, crews shift into local roads and subdivisions.

Weather, temperatures, traffic, and staffing all influence how quickly progress can be made, and conditions can vary widely from one area to the next.

While every road matters, this prioritization approach allows OCRC to make the greatest impact with available crews and equipment, helping keep the entire road network moving as safely and efficiently as possible.

Winter Priority Reminder

As a reminder, our winter maintenance follows a street priority system based on traffic volume, road classification, and location:

1. State Trunklines (e.g., I-96, I-196, US-31, M-45, M-231)
2. Multi-lane Primary Roads
3. Primary Roads
4. Local Paved Roads
5. Subdivision Streets
6. Local Gravel Roads
7. Dead End Streets and Cul-de-sacs

It can take up to 48 hours after a snow event, depending on severity, for our team to cover the entire road network. We ask for your patience and caution during winter weather events.

Have you ever driven in a snow storm and wondered, "Why do snow plows have green flashing strobe lights?"

The basic answer: to help our crews be more visible -- especially in wintry conditions with low visibility.

The green cone in the human eye is the most sensitive and has the longest wavelength.

This means green lights appear brighter and can be seen from farther away than other colored lights. This makes them suitable for enhanced visibility in inclement conditions such as a snow storm.

If you see blinking green lights, they are coming from a county road maintenance vehicle.

Be sure to slow down, be vigilant and steer clear of the road work, but also take care to stay on the roadway.

Occasionally, despite the diligent work of winter maintenance crews, lawns along the road's edge may sustain damage during snow removal operations.

If your lawn has been affected in the road right-of-way due to winter maintenance activities, please contact the Road Commission at (616) 842-5400 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

Alternatively, you may also utilize our online service request form.

Your address will be added to our spring cleanup list, and once the snow has melted, Road Commission crews will restore any damage by applying topsoil and grass seed.

To help prevent lawn damage, the Road Commission places wooden stakes in key areas to mark the edge of the pavement before the first snowstorm. These stakes are typically installed at intersections or on curves in subdivision streets where snowplow drivers may find it challenging to gauge the edge of the road.

Although these stakes may break after a few plowing operations, they are crucial for defining plowing boundaries. We kindly ask that you avoid removing or disturbing them to help maintain clear plowing limits.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to balance efficient snow removal with protecting your property.

The Ottawa County Road Commission offers several ways for residents to report road concerns, and choosing the right option helps us respond as efficiently as possible.

For non-emergency issues — such as potholes, drainage concerns, signage issues, or general maintenance questions — our online Service Request Form is the best place to start.

Submitting a request online allows staff to document the issue, route it to the appropriate department, and follow up as needed.

If you encounter a situation that poses an immediate safety concern — such as a downed tree blocking the roadway, a hazardous obstruction, or a dangerous road condition — the online form is not the fastest or safest option.

In emergency situations, you should call 911 to report the issue immediately.

This ensures the concern is relayed quickly and the appropriate response can be dispatched without delay.

Using the right reporting method helps keep everyone safe and allows OCRC crews to respond as effectively as possible. We appreciate residents taking the time to report issues and working with us to keep Ottawa County roads safe.