Grand Traverse Road Commission

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General Questions

1. How are speed limits determined on county roads?: A common misconception is that the Road Commission has the authority to install speed limit signs at its discretion. Before a speed limit sign can be posted, a joint speed study must be conducted involving the Michigan State Police and the Road Commission. As of November 9, 2006, a new prima fascie law was adopted allowing speed limits to be set according to road type and access points. An engineering study may still be required. Watch the Michigan Department of Transportation's video about establishing realistic speed limits. informative YouTube video.

2. What causes a pothole?: A pothole occurs when water seeps into small cracks in the pavement freezes and thaws. The expansion cycle process causes the potholes to grow.

3. What is the average cost to pave a mile of road?: It may cost up to $1.5 million to widen (reconstruct) a road from 2 lanes to 4 lanes.

4. What does the Road Commission do with my property tax?: Nothing! Contrary to popular belief, property taxes do not come to the Road Commission. However, residents may "tax" themselves in one of two ways. First, is for a special assessment district for a specific project their property fronts. Secondly is through either a township-wide or county-wide millage. Grand Traverse County has many county-wide millages, such as school, library, BATA, etc. In 2016 voters renewed a four-year, one mil tax for county-wide road improvements. Our main revenue source comes from the MIchigan Transportation Fund as a result of the purchases of gasoline and diesel fuels. Revenues also come from vehicle registration renewal which is shared with the Secretary of State for administration and processing the vehicle data. The fees collected fund 83 county road agencies, cities and villages with road systems and public transit.

5. Will the Road Commission pick up dead animals on the roadways?: The Road Commission will only dispose of dead deer on the roadways. You may call our office at 231-922-4848 to make us aware and we will send someone as soon as they are available.

6. My street light is out, who do I contact?: Contact the township in which the street light is out to report it. If there is a traffic light out, call the Road Commission.

7. What is the road Right Of Way?: The road Right Of Way is typically 66' feet wide (33' each way from the road center line).

8. Do I need to get permission to put in a driveway or upgrade my existing driveway?: Yes. You need a permit from the Road Commission to do any type of work in the road Right Of Way of the County roads.

9. Can I move snow from my driveway to the ditch across the road?: No. Per the Michigan Vehicle Code section 257.677a which reads, "...a person shall not remove or cause snow to be removed, snow, ice or slush onto or across a roadway in a manner which obstructs the:
1) "safety vision of the driver of a motor vehicle" - meaning, you must not create or leave high banks along the edge of the road.
2) "or on any roadway or highway" meaning, all snow coming off your personal property must remain on your property! Snow removal operations must NOT leave piles of snow in the road or ridges on the road.

10. Will the Road Commission replace or repair my mailbox that the plow hit?: If the county truck came in physical contact with your mailbox there is a reimbursement policy. If your mailbox was damaged by snow that was thrown from the passing plow the Road Commission does not repair or replace the mailbox as we can't control the way the snow falls from the trucks while trying to make the roads safe to drive on.

11. Who do I contact about a ticket I received for parking on the county road?: Law Enforcement is the agency responsible for issuing parking tickets.

12. Is it okay to park on the side of the road if my driveway is filled with snow?: No. The Road Commission needs to plow the whole road. If your vehicle is in the road when the plow comes by it could be towed.

13. Can I cut down a tree at the edge of the road by my property?: Yes, however a permit from the Road Commission is required.

14. Why does it take so long for my road to be plowed?: County roads are plowed by priority in this order:
State Trunklines (US-31, M-72, M-137, M-113, M-37)
County Primary Roads (Main arterial roads)
County Local Roads (Secondary Collector Roads, Subdivision Roads, Gravel Roads)

15. Where can I pick up Adopt-A-Road bags?: Adopt-A-Road bags can be picked up at our office at 1881 LaFranier Rd. Traverse City.