The Branch County Road Commission’s 30 plow truck drivers are ready for the winter storm, with the snow predicted to continue through Sunday.
Road commission Manager Jay Miller said on Wednesday morning that two inches of snow are predicted for Thanksgiving and two more inches for Saturday-Sunday. “We are ready.”
Miller said on night shifts began working on Nov. 15 with the 24-hour schedule.
Under its contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation, drivers continuously clear I-69, U.S. 12, and M-86.
The commission assigns eight drivers and trucks to provide 24-hour coverage on the three state highways.
For the rest of the county’s roads, “We’ll have them all clear within 24 hours,” Miller said, with two waves of lake-effect snows predicted.
MDOT brought in 2,000 tons of salt used straight on state roads, but sometimes mixed with purple beet juice to help melting, and sand for traction.
The Road Commission stored 5,000 tons of salt for the winter to mix with sand for county roads.
In addition to clearing snow and ice, the commission also removes road hazards.
High winds expected to exceed 50 mph through Thanksgiving could take down trees and limbs.
Road Commission crews remove them upon notification from Central Dispatch 911.
Contact Don Reid, dReid@USATodayCo.Com
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Branch County Road Commission drivers are ready to clear roads
Reporting by Don Reid, Coldwater Daily Reporter / Coldwater Daily Reporter
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