The Roscommon County Road Commission maintains 1,043 miles of roadway throughout the county. This includes 184 miles of primary roads, 678 miles of local roads, and 181 miles of state trunklines. Winter maintenance is conducted using a structured priority system to ensure roads are cleared as efficiently and safely as possible.
State highways receive the highest priority during snow events. Crews remain on these routes until they are fully cleared. Many primary roads are serviced simultaneously while state highways are being plowed. Once primary routes are open, crews move to local roads, often referred to as side streets.
The goal is to complete at least one pass on all roads within the first day of a storm. However, continuing snowfall, equipment failures, or staffing limitations can delay this process.
Roscommon County averages approximately 100 inches of snowfall each winter. Combined with frequent drifting, this creates challenging conditions throughout the season.
Twenty-nine employees are assigned to snowplow routes. To maintain safety, especially during nighttime hours, crews generally work eight to ten hour shifts, although extended schedules and seven day workweeks are sometimes necessary.
Major roads such as I 75, US 127, M 55, and M 157 are serviced first. Drivers then continue through their assigned routes, clearing primary roads before moving to secondary roads.
Depending on location, some residents may see their roads cleared later in the day. Delays may also occur if equipment becomes stuck or requires repair. After each storm, crews work to open a narrow path on all roads the first day and widen them on the second. If another storm arrives before widening is complete, the process restarts and may take several days.
During widening operations, snow naturally fills driveway openings. Plow operators cannot lift blades at each driveway or divert snow to the opposite side of the road, as this would be unsafe and inefficient. Although drivers take great care near mailboxes, damage can occur. The Road Commission will typically replace mailboxes that are struck. Residents are encouraged to review the County’s mailbox policy.
Garbage cans and bags should not be placed on the roadway shoulder during winter, as they may be struck by plowing equipment. The Road Commission is not permitted to plow private roads or driveways.
Not all county roads are plowed. Some are too narrow, too steep, or lack adequate areas for trucks to turn around. Roads without year round residences may also be excluded. Because school buses only travel plowed county roads, residents are encouraged to verify winter maintenance status before purchasing or building a home.
County vehicles performing winter maintenance are exempt from certain provisions of the motor vehicle code, which allows operators to back into roads, clear intersections, and use shoulders when necessary. Snowplow operators may have limited visibility, particularly when trucks are fully loaded. For safety, motorists should avoid driving close to plow trucks. Although the snow spray may make the trucks appear to be traveling at high speeds, plowing is typically performed at 35 to 40 miles per hour to ensure snow is thrown far enough to prevent high bank buildup. Pushing back snowbanks with graders is significantly more time consuming and is avoided whenever possible.
Residents experiencing an emergency that requires immediate snow removal should contact the Roscommon County Sheriff’s Department or the Michigan State Police. These agencies will notify the Road Commission and coordinate assistance.
