Tag Archives: Kent County Road Commission

Big trucks, food and fun; good times at the Kentwood Public Works Open House

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  • (Courtesy, City of Kentwood/All photos taken by Ingrid Campos)
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By Cris Greer

WKTV Managing Editor

greer@wktv.org



While making the rounds at the Kentwood Public Works Open House last Thursday, Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley said it best, “Little kids love big equipment.”

That was part of the appeal of the Open House, which was co-sponsored by the Kentwood Department of Public Works and the Kent County Road Commission. The event was held at the Kentwood Public Works facility at 5068 Breton Ave. 

It was not only kids taking part, but community members of all ages taking a look behind the scenes at how Public Works serves residents. 

“We’re here to celebrate the Department of Public Works and the staff who run it,” said Mayor Kepley, of the third annual event. “Kids light up when they see a big piece of equipment, and to be able to climb inside, feel the steering wheel and honk the horn. When I was a kid I was fascinated with excavators and bull dozers and I never got a chance to climb in one.


(WKTV/Vini Marconcin and Hayden Passig)



“It’s an opportunity for kids to see some big equipment, but also to educate the kids and the parents of what we do here in Public Works. People primarily focus in on police and fire, but they take for granted so many different things, for instance, our roads, our water, sanitary sewer, storm water, and also the Parks, and who maintains it all. When the Department of Public Works does its great job, it really goes unnoticed, because everything is working properly.

“When you turn on your water, do you get dirty water? No, you get clean water and that’s thanks to the Department of Public Works and their staff doing an excellent job.”

Mayor Kepley said he loves talking to students and classrooms about the different divisions at Public Works and how great the department operates, and jokingly apologizes to them about the lack of snow days.


“When I talk about roads and road maintenance (to students), I do apologize for us cleaning the roads really quickly and efficiently during the winter because chances are if you live in the City of Kentwood you have very few snow days because we do an excellent job of cleaning the road,” said Kepley with a grin. “If someone hits a deer who cleans that up? The Department of Public Works. They do so many different things.”


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Kentwood Director of Public Works Chad Griffin talked about the opportunity the Open House provides for his staff to mingle with residents.

“We really love to have the community come out and see what we do,” said Griffin, who leads a staff of 37 full-time workers and 10 seasonal. “It’s a great chance for residents and employees to interact, meet one another and talk about the work that we do. 


“We had many families and kids attend the event … we are considering it a success. We counted nearly 300 in attendance.”


(Courtesy, City of Kentwood)



Griffin said complimentary grilled hotdogs, chips, freezer pops and bottled water was served and kids of all ages received coloring books, construction themed snap bracelets and construction equipment temporary tattoos. 


The Kentwood Department of Public Works has five divisions that work together to maintain the City’s infrastructure, which includes more than 150 miles of pipes underground and more than 155 miles of streets above ground, as well as parks and grounds, buildings and vehicles. The five divisions are building maintenance, fleet services, grounds maintenance, streets maintenance and utilities (water and wastewater) services. To learn more about Kentwood DPW, visit kentwood.us/DPW.

Kent County has seven roads on the best Michigan roads for color list

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By Liam Jackson
Capital News Network

As Michigan enters peak color season, local officials across the state have nominated the best roads for motorists to enjoy the changing foliage.

Peak Michigan colors were predicted to start last weekend in the Upper Peninsula and end at the state’s southern border Oct. 29. The County Road Association of Michigan compiled the statewide list of “don’t miss” local roads.

For a complete list of the fall color list, click here.

The more than 120 roads span the state.

The County Road Association named more than 120 routes as best for fall color, including the Fallasburg covered bridge in Kent County. (Courtesy, Kent County Road Commission)

There are plenty to choose from.

Michigan has the nation’s fourth-largest local road system. County roads account for 90,000 miles of roads and 5,700 bridges. Although the road association puts the list together, it relies on county officials for scenic road nominations.

All county road commissions were asked what county roads they would recommend to people who are interested in breathtaking fall views, said Dustin Earley, the manager of communications and engagement with the County Road Association of Michigan.

The association asks local commissioners to say, “Look, here’s my favorite road in my backyard,” Earley said.

Fallasburg a favorite in Kent County

“I just think as Michiganders we are really lucky because I’m not sure there is another state that is more beautiful in the fall,” said Maura Lamoreaux, the communications director for the Kent County Road Commission. “You can travel and just enjoy the colors of the season.”

Kent County has seven roads on the “don’t miss” list. Fallasburg Park Drive in Vergennes Township, 15 miles east of Grand Rapids, is one that stands out, Lamoreaux said.

“Fallasburg Park is not only a gorgeous ride, but it is also a beautiful park to take in the fall colors,” she said.

The Fallasburg covered bridge in Kent County sits on a route that made the list of best fall color roads in Michigan. (Courtesy, Kent County Road Commission)

The park’s covered bridge is a registered historical site that celebrated its 150th anniversary last year.

“You kind of feel like you are traveling back in time a little bit,” Lamoreaux said. “There is a sign that says ‘You will be charged $5 for speeding,’ which is a replica of the original sign that was posted on the bridge.”

Kent County promotes a local route with fall scenic views that is hundreds of miles long, Lamoreaux said. The county picks a few stretches of road to add to the statewide list.

Other roads in Kent County

  • Honey Creek Avenue from Pettis Avenue to Cannonsburg Road
  • Bailey Drive from Vergennes Street to Lincoln Lake Avenue
  • 5 Mile Road from Lincoln Lake Avenue to Gavin Lake Avenue
  • Gavin Lake Road from 5-mile road to Belding Road
  • Wabasis Avenue from Belding Road to 12 Mile Road
  • Ramsdell Drive from 5 Mile Road to 11 Mile Road

Roads in Ottawa County

  • Lakeshore Drive from Grand Haven city limits to Ottawa Beach Road/Holland State Park
  • Hayes Street from M-11 intersection to Berlin Fair Drive/the Berlin Fairgrounds in Marne
  • Leonard Street from intersection on Leonard Street/S. Lake Avenue in Village of Spring Lake to Lamont
  • Mercury Drive/Green Street/N. Cedar Drive from Grand Haven to Riverside County Park

Pure Michigan lists peak color dates by region here: https://www.michigan.org/fallcolormap

Lakeshore Drive popular in the Upper Peninsula

Chippewa County in the northeast part of the Upper Peninsula has four roads on the list.

The all-star route is Lakeshore Drive that runs along Lake Superior through the Bay Mills reservation between M-123 and Brimley, said Stephanie Boileau, a road design engineer for the Chippewa County Road Commision. “It doesn’t matter what time of year, it’s gorgeous.”

The route features Lake Superior, a tree canopy, the Bay Mills reservation, the Point Iroquois Lighthouse and multiple access points to beaches.

 

“It’s fantastic,” said Boileau. “It’s a road that makes you think, ‘Yes, this is why people love the Upper Peninsula so much.’”

When suggesting roads for the “don’t miss” list, she thinks about people looking to do fall color tours, Boileau said.

“We are looking for those deciduous hardwood trees, the ones that do turn color,” she said. “I also look at what other scenic opportunities you have besides trees. Is there interesting topography? Are there places to pull off and access recreational areas like a beach or state park?”

She prefers more rural areas and avoids submitting commuter routes.

It’s all about getting the best views

“Peak color means that if you can make it to that area within that time frame, you are probably increasing your chances at getting the best views of that color,” Earley said. “Earlier, things are just coming on and near the end of that date the leaves are starting to turn brown and fall off the trees.”

The association lists the roads every year. It subtracts roads undergoing construction or if the county chooses to have it removed. But the list is growing, not shrinking, Earley said.

Tourists are not the only ones benefiting from scenic fall tours in Michigan.

“Most everyone benefits when we have a good fall color season,” said Tony Haller, the executive director of the Sault Area Chamber of Commerce. “Our restaurants benefit from it, our hotels benefit from it, all our convenience stores and gas stations get people filling up for gas while they make their tours.

“I couldn’t name a favorite, but that’s the beauty of this list. It’s really the experts of these areas that are helping us list these roads.”

ABOUT LIAM JACKSON

Liam Jackson is a journalist from Trenton, Michigan. He enrolled at Michigan State in 2018. His journalistic interests include feature stories and sports journalism. In addition to writing for Spartan Newsroom, Liam has also served as the News Editor and Sports Editor at Impact 89FM.

A short day’s drive — Kent County showcases colors, natural beauty of the county with 2021 Color Tour

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One highlight the 2012 Color Tour’s Eastern Kent County Route, and the three historical covered bridges in that area, is the Fallasburg Covered Bridge which is celebrating its 150-year anniversary. (Kent County Road Commission)

By D.A. Reed, WKTV Contributing Writer

ken@wktv.org

The Kent County Road Commission knows the county’s rural roads really, really well. So who better to give residents advice on where to venture to parts of the county they might not normally think to explore our local annual color tour?

The county recently unveiled the first two routes of its annual color tour, with additional routes to be announced soon.

The road commission began producing the color tour in the 1950s and continued for over 30 years before being discontinued. While the reason for the suspension is not clear, the color tour was revived again in 2016 with much excitement and success.

“The Color Tour has really taken off in popularity over the past couple of years, so we definitely look to add new stretches for our repeat travelers,” Maura Lamoreaux, Communications Manager for the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC), said to WKTV.

Lamoreaux said that, while KCRC does make adjustments from year-to-year, the routes remain similar. The road commission tries to avoid any late-season construction and keeps a close eye on the project schedule. Part of the reason the tour routes are revealed in stages is not only to maximize an area’s particular peak color, but to make sure the roads are free of construction when possible.

One highlight the 2012 Color Tour’s Eastern Kent County Route, and the three historical covered bridges in that area, is the history Ada Covered Bridge. (Kent County Road Commission)

The initial KCRC list has chosen to highlight the Eastern Kent County Route and the three historical covered bridges in that area during the 2021 Color Tour, with the Fallasburg Covered Bridge holding a special place of honor as it celebrates its 150-year anniversary.

Similar to the Fallasburg Bridge, the Ada Covered Bridge and Whites Bridge were also constructed using Brown truss design, with all three bridges being built within four years of each other. While Fallasburg Covered Bridge and Whites Bridge are open to vehicular traffic, Ada Covered Bridge welcomes only pedestrian traffic.

The Western Kent County Color Tour Route showcases apple orchards and the fall harvest over 35 miles of road. Drivers must exercise caution as they may encounter slow-moving farm equipment moving from field to field, so patience is requested as motorists enjoy an unhurried drive.

The White Pine Trail is also accessible from the western route with miles of scenic enjoyment for cyclists and those wishing to participate in a leisurely stroll or nature hike.

The 2012 Color Tour road ways are filled with rural roads soon to be bursting with color. (Kent County Road Commission)

All routes provided by the KCRC can be driven individually for shorter trips or connected if a longer outing is desired. As day trippers enjoy the beautiful vistas and diverse topography throughout Kent County, they can stop at nearby public parks for nature walks and picnics or partake in the many other local stops and activities.

This fun and inexpensive outing is one that residents can enjoy alone or with family and friends, according to the road commission. KCRC also urges motorists to utilize the color tour as a way to visit parts of the county they have not yet seen.

“Personally speaking,” Lamoreaux said, “I threw my dog in the car and drove the entire color tour last year. We walked the parks and stopped for cider and donuts. I was simply amazed at the beauty of the county and how much fun it was to experience all corners of it.”

Kent County Road Commission hopes the color tour routes will help infuse a sense of pride for the gorgeous county that residents call home, and also for the road network that leads them to their destinations.

For more information on Kent County’s 2021 Fall Color Tour and maps detailing the various routes, visit here.

Construction beginning on Patterson Avenue/44th Street near Ford Airport

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By Tara M. Hernandez
grr.org

Passengers and guests visiting the Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GFIA) should prepare for extra travel time getting to the airport this summer.

Beginning June 10, the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) will be working on a project to widen and provide dual left-turn lanes on eastbound 44th Street to northbound Patterson Avenue. The work includes asphalt and concrete pavement removal, concrete curb and gutter, concrete pavement, pavement markings, restoration and traffic signal modifications.

The work will be phased to maintain one lane in each direction and left turns at the intersection, and it is estimated to be complete at the end of August.

“The Kent County Road Commission is partnering with the City of Kentwood on this intersection project, which will help to reduce congestion caused by the high volume of eastbound 44th Street traffic turning left onto northbound Patterson,” said Wayne Harrall, KCRC Deputy Managing Director of Engineering. “The application of concrete will also help 44th Street withstand the high volume of commercial trucks that travel it, and complete the concrete pavement segment from Patterson Avenue to Broadmoor Avenue.”

The Airport is also under construction indoors on Phase Two of its Gateway Transformation Project which includes updates to the baggage claim area, airline ticket counters, flooring and lighting; along with new restrooms and concessions.

“Summer is a busy time of year for us and with added construction on the roads and in the terminal building, we are encouraging passengers to arrive at least two hours before their flight,” said GFIA Interim President & CEO Brian Picardat. “The Kent County Road Commission does a great job with road maintenance and improvements and we know they will work swiftly to complete this project to have as little an impact on the airport as possible.”

GFIA construction updates can be found on our website: https://www.grr.org/construction.php.

National Weather Service extends flood warnings, many area rivers continue to rise

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The Grand River continues to rise with it expected to reach 21 feet. Flood stage for the Grand River is 18 feet in Grand Rapids.

The National Weather Service has extended flood warnings this morning for the Grand River and the Thornapple River. The warnings extended include:

 

The Thornapple River is expected to rise to near 10.9 feet by midnight tonight. Flood state is 10 feet in Caledonia.

Thornapple River Near Caledonia: extended until Monday morning. Thursday the stage was 10.7 feet. Flood stage is 10.0 feet. The river will continue rising to near 10.9 feet by after midnight tonight. The river will fall below flood stage Sunday before midnight.

 

Grand River in Ada: extended from this evening to Tuesday morning. Thursday the stage was 18.7 feet. Flood stage is 20.0 feet.  Moderate flooding expected, with levels to rise above flood stage by this evening and continue to rise to near 22.5 feet by Saturday morning. The river will fall below flood stage by Monday evening.

 

Grand River at Grand Rapids: extended until Tuesday evening. Thursday the stage was 15.5 feet (flood stage is 18.0 feet). The forecast calls for the river to rise above flood stage after midnight tonight and continue to rise to near 21.0 feet by early afternoon Saturday. The river will fall below flood stage by Tuesday morning.

 

Grand River at Lowell: until late Tuesday night. Thursday the stage was 15.1 feet; flood stage is 15.0 feet. Moderate flooding is expected as the river will continue rising to near 18.4 feet by tomorrow evening. The river will fall below flood stage Tuesday morning.

 

Staff from Kent County Emergency Management continue to work with communities and agencies for flood response. “The flooding in 2013 reached historic levels and taught us lessons that we are holding true to today,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “If you live in an area that is flooding and feel the situation could become dangerous, evacuate immediately. We were fortunate nearly five years ago that while there was property damage, no one was injured. We anticipate the next few days to be the most critical during this event.”

 

County, State, or Federal funding is not available for those who suffer personal property damage. “Residents who experience property damage should contact their insurance company immediately,” said Kent County Drain Commissioner Ken Yonker. “We’ve heard from some residents who are confused about any funding, but the bottom line is homes that are built in low flood plains, drainage easements and natural water flow lands that are flooding are the responsibility of the home owner.”

 

Two sites are providing residents updates about flooding along with information and fact sheets:

 

Kent County:  www.accesskent.com/News/flood

Grand Rapids: www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Home/Emergency-Announcements/Important-Weather-Update

 

“We continue to closely monitor the river levels and are using our fire department drone for daily observations of conditions,” Fire Chief John Lehman said. “We plan to post video from the drone on the City’s social media channels.” Grand Rapids residents with concerns about the water levels and questions may call the City’s 311 Customer Service at 311 or 616-456-3000.

 

Kent County Road Commission crews are investigating standing water and flooded areas and placing barricades and flashers where necessary. Please slow down and heed warnings and closures. “We are also collaborating with neighboring road agencies to coordinate emergency response efforts. Road closures and other vital information will be updated throughout the event and posted to kentcountyroads.net, Facebook and Twitter,” said Steve Warren, Managing Director. Crews will continue clearing catch basins, cleaning spillways, removing debris and patching potholes.

 

Again, reminders regarding flooding:

 

  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown.  This National Weather Service motto reminds us of the danger of floodwaters. Just two feet of floodwaters can sweep away a car.  If you see flood water in the road, or barricades/signs posted on roads, for your safety and that of first responders, please turn around and take a different route.

 

  • Do not try to walk or swim through flood waters. River and creek waters can move fast and carry debris that can be dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock people off their feet.

 

  • If you have water in your home/basement, it could be contaminated with pollutants. Handle items that come in contact with flood waters with care, either by disposing of wet items or when possible, cleaning wet items with a disinfectant.

 

  • Keep pets away from flood waters.

 

  • If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure personal identification items (i.e. passports and birth certificates) are protected. Back up computer files and keep them in a safe place or store them in a cloud-based service.

 

  • Stay tuned to alerts via TV, radio or weather apps for your phone.

 

  • If you are in need of shelter, contact American Red Cross at 616.456.8661.

 

KCRC Roads Closed Due to Water over Road (February 2, 2018 at 9:30 a.m., subject to change)

Sorensen Ave (22 Mile Rd to Sprague)

Grosvenor St (west of Ritchie)

5 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Division Ave (Fonger to 11 Mile Rd)

Ashley Ave (5 Mile Rd to 6 Mile Rd)

Ashley Ave (7 Mile Rd to M-44)

6 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Summit Ave (12 Mile Rd to 13 Mile Rd)

Friske Dr (12 Mile Rd to Rector)

18 Mile Rd (White Creek Ave to Simmons)

12 Mile Rd (Wolverine to Summit)

12 Mile Rd (Edgerton to Algoma)

Whipple St (Shaner Ave to Myers Lake)

Reeds Lake Blvd (East Beltline Ave to Manhattan)

Reeds Lake Blvd (East Beltline Ave to Hall St)

Division Ave (7 Mile Rd to 8 Mile Rd)

Konkle Dr (east of Jupiter)

Indian Dr (off West River)

River Point (off Indian Dr)

Abrigador Trail (off West River)

Abrigador Trail (off West River Center)

Willow (off 4 Mile Rd)

Willow Dr (off Canright)

Willow (off Bailey Park)

60th St (Bancroft to M-50)

60th St (Pratt Lake Ave to Montcalm Ave)

64th St (East of Pratt Lake Ave)

Wingeier Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Pratt Lake Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Montcalm Ave (Flat River Dr to Covered Bridge Rd)

68th St (Wingeier to Pratt)

Northbound US-131 off ramp to 54th St

Emergency Management, County and City Agencies respond as river levels rise

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With the amount of rain that has happened over the last couple of days, flooding has become a concern in most of Kent County.

Kent County Emergency Management, along with numerous agencies, continues to monitor and respond to flooding emergencies being seen throughout the area.  Floodwaters are having a dramatic impact on transit and housing. The waters will likely continue to rise through Saturday, causing many additional concerns for businesses and residents.

 

“The Sheriff’s Office and I are working closely with the National Weather Service, State and County agencies, the City of Grand Rapids, other impacted communities, as well as American Red Cross and Salvation Army,” said Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator Jack Stewart. “Our primary goal is the safety and well-being of our residents and first responders. While the levels are not expected to be as high as they were in 2013, we still need to be as diligent in our response.”

 

In the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood, flooding has been reported on Patterson Avenue (28th Street to Burton Avenue) along eat right lane in both directions; the northbound US-131 off ramp to 54th Street and the northbound US-131 off ramp to 28th Street. For a current list of flooded roads, check the bottom of this story or visit the Kent Count Road Commission’s Facebook page.

 

The City of Grand Rapids is working closely with Kent County Emergency Management and the National Weather Service on monitoring water levels and is prepared to activate its flood plan, Fire Chief John Lehman said.

 

“We are working to communicate to all parties directly impacted if flooding occurs and who have flood protection measures in place,” Lehman said. “We are well-prepared to respond if flooding occurs.” The City’s upgraded flood wall system provides protection up to 25 feet of river crest. Grand Rapids residents with concerns about the water levels and questions may call the City’s 311 Customer Service at 311 or 616-456-3000.

 

The Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) is updating information on road closures regularly on its website as well as social media accounts. “KCRC crews continue to investigate standing water and flooded areas and are placing barricades and flashers where necessary. We are assessing roads and are closing/opening them as conditions warrant. Motorists are asked to slow down and heed warnings and closures,” said Kent County Road Commission Managing Director Steve Warren. “Today, our crews will continue clearing catch basins, cleaning spillways, repairing washouts and patching potholes. In these conditions, heavy grading equipment would worsen conditions on gravel roads. Therefore, crews will grade gravel roads when dryer conditions allow.”

 

Again, reminders regarding flooding:

 

  • Turn Around, Don’t Drown.  This National Weather Service motto reminds us of the danger of floodwaters. Just two feet of floodwaters can sweep away a car.  If you see flood water in the road, or barricades/signs posted on roads, for your safety and that of first responders, please turn around and take a different route.

 

  • Do not try to walk or swim through flood waters. River and creek waters can move fast and carry debris that can be dangerous. Six inches of fast-moving flood water can knock people off their feet.

 

  • If you have water in your home/basement, it could be contaminated with pollutants. Handle items that come in contact with flood waters with care, either by disposing of wet items or when possible, cleaning wet items with a disinfectant.

 

  • Keep pets away from flood waters.

 

  • If you live in an area prone to flooding, make sure personal identification items (i.e. passports and birth certificates) are protected. Back up computer files and keep them in a safe place or store them in a cloud-based service.

 

  • Stay tuned to alerts via TV, radio or weather apps for your phone.

 

  • If you are in need of shelter, contact American Red Cross at 616.456.8661.

 

 

KCRC Roads Closed Due to Water over Road (February 21, 2018 at 8 a.m., subject to change)

Sorensen (22 Mile Rd to Sprague)

Grosvenor (west of Ritchie)

5 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Division Ave (Fonger to 11 Mile Rd)

Ashley (5 Mile Rd to 6 Mile Rd)

6 Mile Rd (Ashley to Montcalm)

Summit (12 Mile Rd to 13 Mile Rd)

Friske (12 Mile Rd to Rector)

Reeds Lake Blvd (East Beltline Ave to Manhattan)

Peach Ridge Ave (8 Mile Rd to 9 Mile Rd)

2 Mile Rd (Pettis to Egypt Valley)

Division Ave (7 Mile Rd to 8 Mile Rd)

Konkle (east of Jupiter)

McPherson (Lincoln Lake Ave to Alden Nash Ave)

Cherry Valley Ave (84th St to 76th St)

60th St (Bancroft to M-50)

60th St (Pratt Lake Ave to Montcalm Ave)

64th St (East of Pratt Lake Ave)

Wingeier Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Pratt Lake Ave (64th St to 68th St)

Montcalm Ave (Flat River Dr to Covered Bridge Rd)

 

WKTV Journal: In Focus offers discussion of roadway work zone safety

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Jerry Byrne, deputy managing director of operations for the Kent County Road Commission, on the set of WKTV Journal: In Focus. (WKTV)

WKTV Staff

news@wktv.org

 

On the latest episode of WKTV’s public affairs show,  “WKTV Journal: In Focus”, there is roadwork happening all over the region, and winter not far away, so who better to talk with than the deputy managing director of the Kent County Road Commission as he discusses the public’s role in work zone safety and winter driving safety.

 

 

 

Also on the show Godfrey-Lee Public School superintendent Kevin Polston talks about the opportunities — not challenges — his district offers, including have a large Hispanic student body from households where Spanish my still be the dominate language.

 

The new episode will air twice a week on WKTV channels starting this week and running through Oct. 5. Along with all episodes of WKTV Journal: In Focus, the new interviews are also available on YouTube at WKTVVideos.

 

“Motorists need to be aware, when you see flashing lights, amber or green, that there is a municipal worker working within the road right-of-way,” said Jerry Byrne, deputy managing director of operations for the Kent County Road Commission, in an interview with In Focus host Ken Norris. “You (the public) have to give their undivided attention in work zones … give it 100 percent of your attention for that few minutes.”

 

“WKTV Journal: In Focus” will air on Tuesdays and Thursdays, at 6:30 p.m., on cable television in the Wyoming and Kentwood areas on Comcast WKTV Channel 26 and on AT&T Channel 99 Government channel.

 

Visit here for a YouTube video of the Kevin Polston episode available. https://youtu.be/d1OwoltztSI

 

Heads up! Green strobe means ‘go slow’

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By Kent County Road Commission

 

To promote enhanced safety during storm response and other road maintenance efforts, the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) joins state, county and municipal transportation agencies throughout the state in installing green strobe lights on road maintenance vehicles. When motorists see green strobe lights, they are asked to slow down and be alert – a KCRC snowplow or road maintenance truck is performing work on the right of way.

 

“Our vehicles generally travel at speeds of 25-35 mph when conducting storm response efforts or other road maintenance activities. The ability for motorists to identify our vehicles quickly improves their own response time in reducing their speed, which provides the necessary space between vehicles and improves safety for both the motorists and our workers,” said Jerry Byrne, KCRC’s Deputy Managing Director of Operations.

 

Public transportation agencies advocate the use of green lights because they:

  • Improve the visibility of authorized public agency trucks while working in the right of way
  • Differentiate a public agency’s vehicles from other private motorists and companies using amber lights

For the past few years, KCRC has been advocating the use of green strobe lights on road maintenance vehicles. On September 7, 2016, an amendment to the Michigan Vehicle Code, Public Act 16 became effective, giving state, county and municipal transportation agencies the right to use green lights on their vehicles.

 

“Amber lights are used on vehicles performing all sorts of jobs: mail delivery, refuse pick-up, private plowing, even pizza delivery,” said Jerry Byrne, KCRC’s Deputy Managing Director of Operations. “By combining amber and green lights, public road agencies can differentiate themselves and, hopefully, motorists will learn to equate the green lights with storm response efforts or road repair. We think this will keep motorists, and our crews working along the right of way, safer.”

 

KCRC has been working with the Michigan Department of Transportation, the County Road Association of Michigan and other local road agencies to spread the word about the implementation of green lights on their road maintenance trucks.

 

“This winter, motorists will see the green strobe lights throughout the state,” said Byrne, “so it’s important we collaborate to get the message out: green strobe means go slow!”

 

 

Can your mailbox withstand winter? Sh-sh-shake it!

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The Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) has some tips for making sure your mailbox is weather-ready. Shake your mailbox. Yes. It’s that simple.

 

 

KCRC is once again urging motorists to take advantage of the fall conditions and Shake Your Mailbox. Give the mailbox an aggressive shake; if the mailbox moves, it most likely needs maintenance to withstand the winter season and storm response efforts.

 

Over the years, a mailbox post can rot or become wobbly. By grabbing and shaking it, a resident can determine if it’s secure.

 

“The average speed of a snow plow is only 25 to 30 miles per hour, but a large enough amount of snow pushed off the road can damage a mailbox that is not in optimal condition,” said KCRC’s Deputy Managing Director of Operations Jerry Byrne.

 

Addressing necessary repairs now will help residents avoid the potential hassle of delayed mail or the need to make alternate mail delivery arrangements that a damaged mailbox can cause. The colder is gets, the greater the chance of below freezing conditions, and this makes it more difficult to install or fix a mailbox.

 

“Quick fixes like duct tape, bungee cords and string won’t last the season,” said Byrne. “Tighten screws and ensure that your mailbox post and receptacle are secure enough to endure large amounts of thrown snow.”

 

KCRC receives a number of calls from residents who believe road commission snow plows have hit their mailbox and caused damage. Byrne said that every complaint is investigated. “What we find, nine times out of ten, is that the snow coming off the truck’s blade, not the truck itself, made impact with the mailbox. We also find that, had the mailbox been in appropriate condition, it likely would have withstood the velocity at which the snow hit it.”

New traffic signal at 68th and Byron Center set to go live this month

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New traffic lights have been installed at 68th Street and Byron Center Avenue. The lights are expected to go live by the end of August.
New traffic lights have been installed at 68th Street and Byron Center Avenue. The lights are expected to go live by the end of August.

 

By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org

 

Those traveling along Byron Center Avenue might have noticed a new addition  – a traffic signal at 68th Street and Byron Center Avenue.

 

The new signal was recently installed by the Kent County Road Commission, which has jurisdiction of maintenance over the intersection, in the last couple of weeks. According to Road Commission officials, there is no firm date when the traffic signal will go in “stop and go” operation, but it should occur later this month.

 

As for why the traffic light was installed on the three-way intersection, KCRC Assistant Director of Traffic and Safety Shirley Wollner said when the intersection was built, it was anticipated that it would meet the signal warrants and was built with adequate lanes for a single installation. Byron Center Avenue was built in 2004 and 68th Street was constructed in 2005.

 

“The Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) conducts Safety Audits for upcoming construction projects, and a 2017 resurfacing project is planned on Byron Center between 68th Street and 84th Street,” Wollner said.  “As part of the Safety Audit, KCRC conducted a signal warrant study for the Byron Center Avenue and 68th Street intersection.”

 

The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices, published by the Federal Highway Administration, sets forth the the warrants which are designed to reduce the arbitrary use of four-way stops, traffic signals and the traffic control devices, according to Wollner. Among the measures are traffic volume and traffic crash data.

 

The signal arrant study for Byron Center Avenue and 68th Street showed the volume did meet the requirements or the traffic signal. The traffic study showed that in an eight-hour period 1,105 vehicles traveled Byron Center Avenue with 106 on westbound 68th Street. This demonstrates that the volume on the major street, Byron Center Avenue, is so heavy that it is those on the minor street, 68th Street, to suffer excessive delay or conflict when entering or cross the major street, according to the report from the Kent County Road Commission on the 68th Street/Byron Center Avenue traffic light.

 

Wollner said there was a crash pattern of left turn crashes as well but those did not meet the criteria for the signal. Over a five year period from 2010 – 2015, there had been eight left  turn crashes out of 13 total.