Snowplow route priorities: Interstates, major roads, then finally residential streets
(CBS DETROIT) - As the snowfall winds down, you might see traffic reports of vehicles moving along, even if slowly, on freeways and major roads.
But when can you get out of your neighborhood or subdivision?
That could take some time – despite snowplow and road crews starting their routes when the snow began Wednesday across southeast Michigan.
Related story: City of Detroit prepares for first major winter storm of the season
Some of Southeast Michigan's county road commissions and municipalities posted their snowplow schedules ahead of, or in response to, the winter storm that started Wednesday and continued into early Thursday. In some areas, the local road commissions are contracted by Michigan Department of Transportation to handle snowplowing duties on interstates and state highways.
Oakland County Road Commission, for example, says the priorities for its assigned roads involve roads with "high traffic volumes, higher speeds and multiple lanes." That's why the order of tasks is state roads and highways, primary roads, local roads and then subdivisions in townships should snowfall be 6 inches or more.
The Wayne County Road Commission lists a similar priority schedule: state freeways and trunk lines, county roads and primary roads, and finally township subdivisions should snowfall be 6 inches or more. "The roads that see the most traffic and have the highest speeds get salted and plowed first," Wayne County officials explained.
Washtenaw County Road Commission also focuses on what it says are the "primary roads" during a snow situation. Subdivision and gravel roads get attention "once the primary routes are clear."
To assist with plowing efforts in the municipalities, some of southeast Michigan's cities and villages have snow emergency rules that, when invoked, prohibit parking on specified streets after a significant snowfall.
The village of Dundee in Monroe County did not invoke a snow emergency parking restriction for Thursday; but according to the police department, one might be issued Saturday or Sunday. Reason: The forecast calls for another round of snow in Metro Detroit this weekend.
By the way, it is illegal in Michigan to shovel or push snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks into a roadway.
"This creates a hazard for drivers and can lead to crashes," the Oakland County Road Commission said in a social media post. "Additionally, piling snow along roadways in a way that obstructs motorists' views is also against the law and dangerous. Keep everyone safe by clearing snow responsibly!"
