Washtenaw County Road Commission

Snow plows operated by the Washtenaw County Road Commission will be a bit more decorative this winter.
 

Like many municipalities in Washtenaw County, Ypsilanti Township is looking for ways to improve traffic safety.  Residents and community leaders in the township are concerned over the increases in neighborhood traffic caused by changes made to accommodate the American Center for Mobility at Willow Run.  89.1 WEMU’s Jorge Avellan takes a closer look. 

In this week's "Civic Matters," WEMU's Patrick Campion talks to Mary Morgan from the CivCity Initiative about the latest political developments in Washtenaw County.  Among the topics discussed are the AAATA's new "People-Friendly Streets" initiative, raising parking fines in Ann Arbor, and an open house hosted by Ann Arbor's police and fire departments.

The Washtenaw County Road Commission has named a new managing director.

Centuries-old trees have many benefits:  they provide habitat, absorb stormwater runoff, sequester carbon, and beautify the rural landscape.  Many of our largest got their start when buggies or farm tractors were the fastest thing on the road.  Now, in the age of speedy (and often distracted) driving, trees close to the road are being hit by drivers that lose control.  Should they be removed for safety's sake?  In the last few months, there has been much talk about this question in Washtenaw County.  The controversy continues.

Like many of us, Washtenaw County Road Commission officials are hoping we've had our last major snow event of the season!

Spokeswoman Emily Kizer says they've used a "historic amount" of salt clearing roads this winter.  Over 25,000 tons have been used and crews have been working long hours and weekends.

Road crews have worked extra hard this month to keep roads clear of ice and snow, but the extensive salt use may be damaging Michigan's lakes and streams.  In this week's "Issues of the Environment," WEMU's Patrick Campion speaks to Ric Lawson, watershed planner for the Huron River Watershed Council, about how to remedy this situation.

With a winter storm warning for Washtenaw County in effect, local road crews are planning for a long day of road clearing Friday and an even longer weekend of keeping them clear.

89.1 WEMU’s Lisa Barry spoke with Jim Harmon, the Washtenaw County Road Commission’s Director of Operations, about the road clearing challenges they’ve faced this winter.

More warm weather is on the way for Washtenaw County, and that could be bad news for local roadways.

It's the calm after the storm as far as local snowfall and treacherous driving is concerned.

89.1 WEMU'S Lisa Barry talks with the director of operations for the Washtenaw Road Commission about efforts to clear county roads.

Southeast Michigan just had its first major snowstorm of the season, and Washtenaw County road crews have been working around the clock.  WEMU's David Fair talks to Washtenaw County Road Commission director Jim Harmon about the progress made on the current road conditions.

As you can imagine, the Washtenaw County Road Commission is busy clearing snow from the roads to make this evening's and tomorrow morning's commute a smooth one. 
 

Cold and snowy weather has made driving in the Washtenaw County area challenging.

The Washtenaw County Road Commission is ramping up its efforts to educate the public on roundabouts.  

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners will meet tonight, and a millage is expected to be a main topic of discussion.

Washtenaw County drivers will soon get have another roundabout to negotiate.  Its aim is to help improve safety on the road.

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners voted against placing a road and non-motorized path millage on the August 2nd ballot.  

As temperatures rise, crews will be out on many of the region’s roads.

Roundabouts are becoming a common sight along Washtenaw County's roads, but many people still struggle to use them.

With snow pummeling Washtenaw County, area roadways proved quite treacherous. As of 4:45 P.M., Washtenaw County saw anywhere from 4 to 6 inches of snow, with up to another 5 before the storm ends.

The Washtenaw County Road Commission is warning residents to avoid a few streets and bridges as we head into winter.  

  Washtenaw County officials are advising against a new state road bill.

With the elections over, attention is swinging back to an issue high on most motorists' list of concerns:  Michigan's crumbling roads.  More than 20 organizations across the state are banding together to demand Michigan legislators take action.

The Local Matters Coalition argues getting some sort of road maintenance measure passed during the lame duck session would allow major construction and repair work to start as early as next spring.

Governor Rick Snyder and county road commissions across the state are asking Michigan residents to take some time Saturday giving their roadside mailboxes a shake.  "Shake Your Mailbox Day" is meant to help make sure mailboxes and their supports are ready for the harsh winter months.

Washtenaw County Road Commission Director of Operations Jim Harmon says it's a seasonal burden for property owners with mailboxes by the side of the road.