There is no magical amount of snowfall required before plowing begins. We aim to have roads convenient for travel as early as possible following a snow event. We designed our policies to provide the highest possible quality of service. Please be patient with us as we strive to keep your roads open.
Heavily traveled county roads and problem areas are the first to be addressed. Lower volume neighborhood and rural streets are plowed next.
When a significant snow or ice event occurs, it will take approximately 24 hours from the end of the storm to clear the main paved roads. Clearing on gravel roads and subdivision streets will most likely begin 36 to 48 hours after the last snowflake has fallen. All streets should be cleared within 96 to 120 hours from the end of the storm. Significant delays to this schedule are probable if heavy winds and drifting are experienced after the end of the snowfall.
Snowplows operate by pushing snow to the right. Piling snow to the right of your driveway and mailbox (as you face the road) will help reduce the amount of snow pushed into or in front of your driveway and mailbox. Snow must be piled as to not obstruct motorist vision.
The Livingston County Road Commission would like to remind homeowners and those in the snow removal business of the Michigan State Law (1949 P.A. 300, as amended MCLA 257.677a) that prohibits depositing snow, ice or slush on any roadway or highway. This happens frequently when plow operators push snow across the road or along the shoulder adjacent to driveways. Compliance with the law provides a safer roadway for our community during inclement weather.
Our plows sometimes push snow onto driveways as the snow leaves the plow and we really don’t have a choice. We know that it’s frustrating to shovel your driveway and then have the plow come by and push snow back at the base. Although we’d like to minimize the problem, there is no “efficient” way to plow the roadway so that your driveway remains snow free. Read more…
“A person shall not remove, or cause to be removed, snow, ice, or slush onto or across a roadway or the shoulder of a roadway in a manner which obstructs the safety vision of the driver of a motor vehicle other that off-road vehicles. A person shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice or slush on any roadway or highway.” (MCL 257.677a)
Even at low speeds, snowplows throw large amounts of snow great distances from the roadway. This snow can make it difficult for the driver to see children.
Most snow- or ice-related accidents are caused by driving at speeds too fast for existing conditions.
The County Road Association of Michigan asks motorists to wear their seatbelts, allow extra time to reach their destinations, and remember- “Don’t Crowd the Plow!”
Trucks typically plow and salt at speeds of 45 miles per hour or less depending on road conditions. Often motorists become impatient and this can lead to life-threatening mistakes. Read more…
Many mailboxes become loose or in need of repair over years of use. Will your mailbox survive the upcoming winter season? By taking a few precautions, you can help yourself out. Read more…
Do not shovel, plow, push or throw your driveway snow onto the public (or private) roadway out front as this will create a hazardous surface when traffic passes over it. And don’t try to push it all the way to the other side. That would likely create a narrowed area in the road at that location so it’ll be dangerous for vehicles traveling in opposite directions to pass there. (Be sure your plowing contractor honors these restrictions too; you’re responsible for his actions).
A note of caution is in order. Please be extremely careful when working next to the roadway – especially when snowplowing operations are in progress. Read more…