4 In. Snowfall Will Call Out County Plows
By Amy Polk

Mackinac County Road Commission crews had their hands full on a recent weekend when a winter storm dumped nearly two feet of snow on some areas of the county. Manager Karrie Abbitt said all 25 of the county's plow drivers worked overtime, around the clock Sunday, December 2, to clear roads and free snowed-in residents living along county roads.

"I think it went pretty well this weekend, considering the conditions," Mrs. Abbitt said.

Heavy snows fell overnight Saturday, December 1, when plows were first called out for weekend service. Plow operators then hit the roads again Sunday morning, around 5 a.m., and spent the next 12 hours clearing roads, only to resume work Sunday night when the snow began to fall again. The Eastern Upper Peninsula received another eight inches or more between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning.

The weekend storm plunged the area into winter, setting the stage for holiday activities and recreational snowmobiling. It was also the first test of the Mackinac County Road Commission's new policy to call heavy equipment operators back to work when at least four inches of heavy snow falls on local roads.

The new policy was adopted Monday, November 26, and replaces a previous policy to plow county roads on weekends and after designated work hours only after six inches or more of heavy snow has fallen. The six-inch policy was originally introduced to save money.

"We said this year we would try four inches and see how it goes," Mrs. Abbitt said.

As stipulated in their union contract with the Mackinac County Road Commission, the county's heavy equipment operators work one of two day shifts, from either 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Late afternoon, evening, and weekend plowing is considered overtime. Under current policy, plow operators will be called back to work overtime by each district's foreman. The foreman patrols the areas and checks to see if roads meet the conditions established by the road commission for calling out crews. Bill Wagner is the road commission's west district foreman responsible for road work in Garfield, Hendricks, Hudson, Newton, and Portage townships. Dale Williams is the east district foreman responsible for maintenance in Brevort, Clark, Moran, Marquette, and St. Ignace townships.

Mackinac County Road Commission has a state maintenance contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation to plow two of its state highways in eastern Mackinac County, M-134 and M-129. The highways are maintained from 8:30 p.m. to 5 a.m., and from 5 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Residents are reminded of a law against plowing or shoveling snow into public shoulders or roadways. Plow operators this year have already encountered piles of snow in the roadway, especially in the Clark Township area, Mrs. Abbitt said. On a recent weekend, the road commission had to dispatch a front-end loader to clear a large pile at the corner of Kromiller and Meridian roads in Cedarville.

"It's a safety hazard," Mrs. Abbitt said. "It freezes and packs overnight, and causes problems for plows."

Tickets can be issued to anyone who violates Michigan's Motor Vehicle Code. The code states that "obstruction of safety vision by removal or deposit of snow, ice, or slush [is] prohibited." Safety vision is an unobstructed line of sight that enables a driver "to travel upon, enter, or exit a roadway in a safe manner," according to the code.

This includes the end of driveways, Mrs. Abbitt said, where depositing snow can reduce visibility for drivers trying to pull out onto a road.

As the area gets more snow through the winter, snow banks will get piled higher and higher, and sometimes top the height of an average car.

Piles and trails of snow, ice, and slush in the roadway, no matter how small, can create hazardous conditions and thwart road crews' efforts to keep the roads clear. If the piles freeze, they can even damage plows, Mrs. Abbitt said.

Property owners should clearly mark any item that has been buried in the snow to warn plow operators, and reduce the chance of damaging plows or vehicles.

Other winter driving safety tips include wearing a seatbelt and slowing down when driving, especially during winter weather events like snowfall and storms. High winds, poor visibility, and freezing rain are some of the conditions that warrant slower speeds. Michigan Department of Transportation reports the area's various road conditions, and they are available online at www. michigan.gov/roadconditions.

Michigan Department of Transportation also recommends that drivers maintain a safe distance from snowplows in the winter, as well as the following safety guidelines for winter driving:

• Always wear safety belts and be sure children are buckled up;

• Be careful on bridges, which can be icy even when the approaching pavement is clear and dry;

• Slow down when visibility is low or conditions are snowy or icy;

• Accelerate, merge, and brake slowly. Sudden movements can cause vehicles to slide;

• Maintain a safe distance from snow plows, and

• Allow plenty of time to reach your destination.