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1. How are speed limits determined?

Public Roads

Michigan State law governs the methods by which speed limits are established on the county road system. The methods for establishing speed limits are based on empirical evidence and practices that are used throughout the country. These methods are designed to promote uniform operating speed across the driving population and to provide the safest conditions possible.

 GTCRC follows the process outlined by the Michigan State Police for establishing realistic speed limits. Click here to read MSP’s procedure. 

 Private Roads

GTCRC has no jurisdiction on private roads. Speed limits on a private road may be determined by property owners, homeowners’ association (if applicable) or other governing body.  Some townships may have a private road ordinance addressing this issue.

2. Can I have a speed limit sign posted on my road?

If there are already speed limit signs posted on your road, GTCRC is not likely to put additional speed limit signs along that section. Signs are placed strategically based on the road segment. Too many signs along a roadway, too close together can be counterproductive; motorists are either distracted by them or don’t read any signs because there are too many. 
 
If an existing sign is damaged or missing, GTCRC will replace it. Please click here to report an issue.

 Many of GTCRC roads do not have a speed limit posted.  Michigan state law has set prima facie speed limits.  Prima facie is Latin for “on the face of it” and is the speed limit under most circumstances.  The prima facie speed limit on unmarked, unpaved roads is 55 mph and the prima facie speed limit in business or residential areas is 25 mph. These speed limits are set legislatively and apply throughout the state.

 If you would like a segment of road evaluated for more signage, Please click here to create an Engineering Inquiry.
 

3. How do I get the speed limit changed on a road?

Contrary to popular belief, the GTCRC isn’t able to change the speed limit on a road.    The process for modifying a speed limit involves the Michigan State Police, the township board, and the road commission and typically requires engineering / safety / speed studies along with traffic investigations.     

More information on this can be referenced here: http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/2015-2016/publicact/pdf/2016-PA-0447.pdf

4. How do I get a “No Passing Zone” on a road?

When it comes to changing the passing zones on county roads, GTCRC follows the guidelines provided by the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MMUTCD).   New driveways, subdivision streets or private roads do not warrant a “no passing zone”.

 To request a passing zone review, click submit an Engineering Inquiry using the Citizen Problem Reporter app here. 

5. Can I have a “Hidden Driveway” sign installed on the street outside my home?

No.  Hidden driveway signs are not an acceptable sign according to the MMUTCD.  This type of sign is typically ignored by motorists and gives a false sense of security to those using the driveway. For these reasons, GTCRC will not install hidden driveway signs along our roadways.  Property owners are responsible for maintaining the required sight distance for a driveway.

6. How does GTCRC determine that guardrail is necessary on a road?

Guardrail is a useful roadside safety tool, but it is not appropriate to protect against every roadside hazard. In the wrong applications, guardrail itself is a hazard.

 Guardrail is only appropriate when the result of a vehicle striking the guardrail barrier will be less severe than a crash resulting from hitting the unshielded hazard. For example, guardrail is usually not an appropriate solution to a single tree sitting too close to the road since a guardrail is just another fixed object like the tree. Guardrail is appropriate to protect road users from a large water feature or very steep slope.

 To determine if a guardrail is necessary, GTCRC will evaluate the location and decide based on the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Roadside Design Guide.

 To request guardrail in a new location or report existing guardrail that has been damaged, use the Citizen Problem Reporter app here.
 

7. What should I do when a traffic signal loses power (dark signal)?

If a traffic signal is dark - please contact us immediately at 231-922-4848

 According to the Michigan Vehicle Code, when a signal loses power, the intersection should be treated as a four-way stop:

• Stop before entering the intersection.
• Yield to all vehicles in the intersection or approaching on an intersecting road, if those vehicles will constitute an immediate hazard during the time the driver is moving across or within the intersection.
• Exercise care while proceeding through the intersection.
   
   

8. A stop sign has been damaged or is missing, what do I do?

If the missing or damaged stop sign is on a public county road, please contact GTCRC at 231-922-4848 immediately to report the issue.  

GTCRC crews will respond in a timely manner to replace the missing or damaged stop sign.

9. Someone has posted distracting yard signs along the road, will you remove them?

It is illegal to post unauthorized signs, including campaign signs, in the public road right-of-way (generally 10-15 ft from the edge of the traveled portion of the road) or attach them to GTCRC property along the roadside (example: road sign or sign post). They can create distractions for drivers and take attention away from important safety-related signs. They can also become safety hazards during routine road maintenance operations such as roadside mowing.

 GTCRC has the right to remove unauthorized signs from the road right-of-way and dispose of them without notice. While GTCRC does not have the resources to remove every illegal sign placed in the right-of-way, it prioritizes removing signs that are a safety hazard or in the way of pending maintenance.

Please click here to report an issue.

10. I’d like to install a permanent sign in front of my property along the road, is that allowed?

No. Signs for private businesses or residents are not allowed to be placed in the road right-of-way (generally 10 – 15 feet from the edge of the road).  GTCRC has the authority to remove illegally placed signs in the road right-of-way.