SERVICE REQUESTS
Report road problems to 231-922-4848 or email us at: gtcrc@gtcrc.org
WINTER MAINTENANCE
Salt prices have skyrocketed 18% over last year's price. Nearly 10% of our budget is designated for salt. How does that affect you? The GTCRC has typically used a sand-salt mix for snow and ice control, but this year motorists will see more sand. Salt has melting qualities within a certain temperature range, but sand will provide traction.
Motorists may see roads cleared, but not necessarily down to pavement. This will require old-fashioned good driving skills and proper vehicle maintenance, such as driving for conditions (lower speeds) and good tires (with tread and proper inflation).
GTCRC ordered winter salt early and will have a typical year's supply. But if winter features more snow and ice than normal, more days with early morning black-ice conditions or late day/week-end blasts, service levels will need to be adjusted to make it through the season.
Some long-term employees joined the rank of retirement over the last 18 months. These capable and knowledgeable employees have not been replaced due to declining funding sources. Our primary funding source has not changed since the mid-90's, provides no inflationery adjustment and is not tied to the fuel costs. How does this affect you? The number of miles to be plowed virtually remains the same as development growth has wained. However, the miles per plow route have increased meaning it will take longer for your road to get plowed.
PrintSafety Education -- Schools and Organizations
SCHOOL BUS AND ROAD SAFETY
Safety is important to everyone at the Road Commission. Teaching young children about safety waiting for the bus or playing after school OR explaining to young drivers (older ones, too!) what to do when you approach a snow plow doing winter maintenance and creating a cloud of snow.
Our employees can come on site to your school or meeting with a full-dress snowplow to give a first-hand experience of the massiveness of the equipment.
Topics include the importance of staying away from the snowplows throwing snow, not playing on or tunneling in the snowbanks along the road, pedestrian safety, traffic signal operation, safely crossing roads and what to do when a snow plow is in your lane!
Coming to our office will afford attendees a chance to see our HUGE sand piles and salt barn, view an engineering office, check out our mechanics' shop, our football stadium-size garage with trucks and conduct some career exploration activities in a variety of areas.
One of the favorite traditions is to have a picture taken - like the one above. Kids of all ages and kids at heart all like to huddle under the plow blade, get inside the truck, sit behind the wheel and toot the loud horn.
Call us at 922-4848 to set up a visit. We'd love to meet you!
Safe Kids North Shore
The Road Commission is an active partner with Safe Kids North Shore in promoting changes in attitudes, behaviors, laws and the environment to prevent accidental injury to children.
Car seat inspections are scheduled for the second Friday of every month at the AAA Office on US-31/Three Mile Road, Traverse City, MI 49686 AND on the fourth Friday of every month at the Grand Traverse Metro Fir Station, Garfield Station 11. Times are between 10 AM and 3:00 PM. For an appointment, call 231-922-4843.
For more information, click on www.safekids.org