GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- If the Genesee County Road Commission is affected by COVID-19 worker infections or quarantines, the commission warns that it may take longer to to clear highways this winter.
With winter around the corner, the county road commission is preparing. However, in a Monday, Oct. 26 news release, the commission warned that the pandemic could pose additional challenges to winter road maintenance.
“Over the years, maintenance workers have handled everything winter could throw at them but, with the continuing threat of COVID-19, this year may be different," the news release reads. "We’re going to have contingency plans in place, but we want drivers to know the pandemic could affect our ability to maintain winter levels of service.”
During snowstorms, GCRC will have all available staff out working to clear roads as quickly as possible, but the commission is asking the public for their patience and understanding in the case of temporary staff shortages.
Motorists must follow Michigan’s Basic Speed Law, which requires them to drive at a reasonable speed for the condition in all driving conditions, allowing them to stop within the clear distance ahead.
GCRC urges motorists to prepare for inclement driving conditions by:
- Preparing vehicles for winter driving, such as making sure tires are in good condition and that all snow and ice have been cleared from the vehicle before heading onto the road.
- Giving plow operators extra space and staying behind them in winter storms.
- Avoiding distractions, using headlights during winter weather and leaving extra space between vehicles.
The road commission focuses first on the roads with the most traffic, except in situations where abnormal conditions exist, or emergencies involving public health and safety occur. That means he commission will work on the freeways and major thoroughfares before less-traveled streets, the release states. Subdivision streets and gravel roads are usually the last to be cleared.
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