KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Due to recent and continuing stormy weather conditions, the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County (RCKC) shared a reminder of storm safety tips on Tuesday.
Most of the reminders center around water and trees over county roadways.
“When a large amount of rainfall occurs, it affects road conditions as well as potentially delaying construction projects,” officials said in a statement. “The RCKC team has been working around the clock throughout the duration of recent storms.”
The reminders, including statements from the RCKC, can be viewed below:
Water over the Road/Storm Drainage:
“It is common to find standing water in the roadway with large amounts of rainfall. Please do not drive into high water. If possible, turn around. Storm drains are often unable to manage the quantity of rain that falls during heavy rains and/or storms. In some areas this may only be for a brief time, in other areas pending weather may take a few days.
A blocked storm drain is a common cause of street and/or yard flooding. If you have a catch basin in front of, or near, your home, please make sure the opening remains free of leaves, sticks, rocks and/or other debris.”
Washout:
“It is also common to find road shoulder washout areas with large amounts of rainfall. Shoulder areas are eroded by water, especially as it flows to the natural low areas.”
Trees and tree removal:
“Trees may impact the traveled portion of roadways. Also, please be aware of sagging or broken wires in trees as it can still be ‘live’ with a deadly amount of electricity. In these cases, RCKC must wait for utility company assistance.
When possible, RCKC teams have moved fallen trees outside of the road right-of-way to the adjacent property, clearing the traveled portion of our roads for the
safety of the public.
The relocated trees from the roadway will be left for the property owner’s use and/or disposal, except in those instances where RCKC holds title to the entire road right-of- way (typically in platted/subdivision areas).
A pink flag will be left near the relocated tree informing property owners to contact the RCKC within 15 days for tree removal options.
The property owner may submit a service request that the fallen tree moved by the RCKC, county, municipal or township police, fire, emergency or public utility personnel be cut and stacked adjacent to the public right-of-way, or may request that it be removed.
The RCKC will return to address the relocated tree as prioritized within other RCKC operations.
Please remember trees/brush that was not relocated by emergency personnel, are the property owner’s responsibilities.”
Further Questions:
Any further questions can be addressed by visiting www.kalamazoocountyroads.com.
Comments