CCRD is responsible for the maintenance of public roads within the state per Public Act 51. We are not responsible for roadside litter of any type. Some townships may have litter ordinances that apply for possible enforcement.

CCRD will only remove deer carcasses in the traveling portion of the road that create a safety hazard to the traveling public.

We will remove deer off state roads only. Deer that are causing a road obstruction on a county primary or local road will be pulled out of the roadway. If a dead deer is creating a hazard to the traveling public, please call 911.

Gravel road maintenance is weather-dependent, therefore CCRD does not have a firm maintenance schedule. When the roads are wet, grading can cause damage. If the roads are too dry, dust can become a bigger issue.

As temperatures warm in the spring, the frozen roadway turns soft and unstable and remains this way until the moisture completely evaporates from the roadway. Adding gravel to muddy roads will only create more mud because the fines in the gravel mix with the already muddy roadway.

Dust control takes place twice a year, in the late spring and late summer. The application of brine helps reduce dust and the need for grading and provides a bonding substance to the road surface. CCRD pays for two brine applications. If you wish to have additional applications, please contact your Township. We will work with your Township for a cost share.

During and after a winter storm, road departments and commissions organize snow removal operations to service the most heavily traveled roadways first. Snow removal priorities begin with state trunk lines, primary roads, and then local roads/subdivisions. Crews begin plowing and salting several hours before morning peak traffic and will continue throughout the night if needed. If we are under extended winter storms or continuing winds, drivers will return to the state and primary routes to keep the higher volume roads cleared.

CCRD’s priority is the safety of the motoring public and keeping the roadways clear of snow and ice by pushing it off the road and shoulders. Sometimes this means that snow is pushed into driveways. While plow drivers try to minimize the amount of snow that gets plowed into driveways during a storm, it is the responsibility of the property owner to clear their driveway opening. We understand the frustration that this causes area residents. Shoveling an area large enough to hold the snow coming off the plow may help reduce the need for a “second shovel.”

We cannot pick up the plow blade every time we pass a driveway; if we did, drivers would not complete their routes or be able to clear the roads efficiently for the motoring public.

CCRD will make one pass to open the road up so that residents may get in and out. Snowplows then return to widen the road and shoulders for future snow accumulation.

CCRD does not respond to special requests except through law enforcement and fire services. Residents experiencing an emergency situation should call 911. CCRD will respond as directed by law enforcement.

There are a couple of reasons plows aren’t always pushing snow. Plows may be in operation only to spread materials or may be out of materials and are returning to the garage to reload. Another possibility is that the driver does not have the responsibility for the road they are currently on and are heading to their route. Plow routes are designed to minimize travel in between service areas. It is also possible that the road may have been treated with salt or de-icing products and plowing it may remove the mixture before it has an opportunity to work.

During the month of October, Michigan encourages residents to shake their mailbox to make sure it is winter-ready. Residents should prepare mailboxes for winter by tightening screws and ensuring the post and receptacle are secure enough to endure large amounts of thrown snow. If the mailbox moves when shaken, it may not withstand standard snow removal operations and should be repaired or replaced before winter.

When roadsides are overgrown with brush and trees, extensive trimming and cutting is necessary to restore safe sight distance. Tree trimming also helps to maintain roads by allowing sunlight to hit the road, drying water and preventing the formation of potholes.

CCRD uses a subcontractor to perform roadside mowing.  Mowing contractors are scheduled to mow twice a year.  The contractor is responsible to mow through the county in the way that is determined to be most efficient.  Mowers start on one side of the county and work their way across on a township-by-township basis.

BOOM MOWING

CCRD crews use a specially designed brush mower to cut back roadside brush. This equipment will focus on clearing brush within the right of way to open up the roadway for better visibility. This mowing will be done year around, whenever the weather allows.

CCRD crews use a specially designed brush mower to cut back roadside brush. This equipment will focus on clearing brush within the right of way to open up the roadway for better visibility. This mowing will be done year around, whenever the weather allows.

After boom mowing has been completed, the roadsides will grow back within 6 months to a year, depending on when the mowing took place.  While this may seem unsightly for a time, this operation offers better sight distance for the traveling public. 

CCRD does not mow or clear brush for driveway sight distance. Driveway sight distance is the responsibility of the property owner.  CCRD will mow the road edges throughout the season, which may help with driveway sight distance.

CCRD will work to clear overgrown brush near county road intersections that are impeding sight distance.