Detroit metropolitan highway crews leave in full force before the winter storm

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – Snow emergencies are occurring across the Detroit metropolitan area as cities predict heavy snowfall from Monday night through Tuesday morning.

The teams are already working hard, making plans to clean and salt the roads. Local 4 spoke to Craig Bryson with the Oakland County Road Commission. They expect a full fleet of about 10 people to hit the roads on Monday night.

Crews are expected to work 24 hours a day until Thursday and Friday. It is expected that about 10,000 tonnes of salt will be placed on the roads.

“We will probably be out for several days here and we are trying to space out our drivers. So, depending on what the weather is like, we can try to send some of the drivers home this afternoon to rest just before the next big snow tonight, “said Craig Bryson.

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Unlike any other winter, with so many people working from home, cleaning the roads before rush hour traffic was different this year.

“There is definitely a pandemic going on, but we are still doing the same kind of work. Entering garages and offices – doing the same kind of work. So it’s a little bit surreal, ”said Craig Bryson.

In Wayne County, road crews were called at 2 am Monday morning. More than 100 trucks were used to clear the morning blizzard.

When inches of snow fall, motor graders will target gravel roads and private contractors will hit back roads with heavy pickup trucks to focus on curves.

Crews will deal with highways first and move to neighborhoods and subdivisions. The authorities are asking people to take their time on the roads.

If you are on the road and see a snow cleaner, give the driver some space. Stop at the shoulder if you can, so they can get around you, officials said.

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The coronavirus pandemic and a mild winter have affected smaller snow plow companies.

But on Monday, Marcus Carr with Stonewall Landscaping and Snow Removal was busier than during the entire season.

“I have been here since seven because all we can do now is open the tracks, add salt and I will send my teams out at midnight, so we can really get to work,” said Carr.

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