top of page

     WINTER MAINTENANCE 

Emmet County Road Commission maintenance crews work hard to keep county and state roads drivable through the changing conditions of Michigan seasons. Depending on the circumstances, response is adapted to address a variety of variables.

​

ECRC crews remove snow and ice from roadways as efficiently as possible while working to keep roads open and essential traffic moving. Our objective in times of inclement weather is to return road surfaces to normal winter conditions as soon as is viable, by targeting one pass on all roads within a reasonable time of the conclusion of the event. With proper use of storm forecasts, personnel, equipment, and materials, the desired result can usually be attained. However, flexibility is needed to adapt to these different circumstances and change in weather conditions.

Plow Truck.jpg

WINTER RESPONSE

​

ECRC crews focus on high traffic roads for morning commute then proceed to address roadways in the following order:

​​

  1. State Highways - per the priority system provided by the Michigan Department of Transportation

  2. County Primary Roads 

  3. Local Paved Roads

  4. County local gravel roads, lake drives, subdivision streets

​

Check out our Certification Maps to see road classifications.

 

Please note that, depending on snowfall consistency and drifting from high winds, ECRC crews may have to return to the state highways and primary roads.

​
ECRC does not accept special requests from the public. Residents in an emergency situation should call 911. The Road Commission will respond as conducted by law enforcement.

​

DRIVEWAYS: How to avoid the "second shovel"

​

Snow will inevitably get deposited into driveways during snow removal. ECRC crews cannot lift their blade at driveways, doing so would cause the snow to be left on the roadway creating a road hazard.

​

To avoid the dreaded "second shovel" after a snowplow comes through, clear an area to the left of your driveway (as you face your home) before the snowplow comes through. This creates space for the snowplow to deposit the snow, preventing it from being pushed back into your driveway and requiring you to shovel again. 

​

  • Clear a wider path: Instead of just clearing your driveway, extend the cleared area to the left (as you face your home) by several feet. 

  • Think about the plow's path: Imagine where the snowplow will push the snow and create a space for it to be deposited. 

  • Avoid piling snow near the edge of your driveway: If you pile snow too close to the edge of your driveway, the snowplow could easily push it back into your cleared area. 

  • Consider the size of the plow: The larger the snowplow, the larger the area you may need to clear to prevent the snow from being pushed back into your driveway. 

  • Benefits: Clearing a wider path can save you time and effort in the long run by preventing the need to shovel a second time.

bottom of page