M-DOT has changed how it uses resources and prioritizes snow-plowing, in a bid to save money this winter.
All state trunklines, or roads beginning with "I" "M" or "US," have been designated priority one or two. Priority one, or orange routes, will be cleared first, said MDOT spokesperson Anita Richardson.
"We're dealing with state highways that we will completely clear of ice and snow during and after a snow event," she explained. "These orange routes are basically identified as our corridors of significance."
They include I-75, US-127 and US-131.
Priority Two or blue routes will be cleared as time allows during a storm, or in the following days. Richardson says overtime will not be used to clear these roadways.
"Those routes, a lot of them are M routes in our areas, are basically going to be made passable," said Richardson. "At a minimum, we will clear one wheel track in each director to make sure they are passable."
While blue routes will be made possible, they will not necessarily be completely clear until after a snowstorm ends. That means drivers will have to be extra cautious, especially in more rural areas.
"There will be slippery roadways and we will do our best to salt whenever possible and make sure that the roads, again, are safe," said Richardson. "We will need to ask motorists to drive with care, and that's going to be something we encourage. To be cautious when you're driving and to plan for your commute."
MDOT Road Service Level Maps:
Central Mich Map.pdf
