Winter Weather Wreaks Havoc on Metro Detroit Roads
Metro Detroit found itself in quite the pickle this past weekend as a blanket of snow covered the streets just in time for the bustling holiday travel season. With frigid temperatures and continuous snow showers, driving conditions turned downright dangerous. Just ask the Michigan State Police, who reported a staggering 207 traffic crashes across Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland counties over the long weekend.
Drivers Share Their Terrifying Tales
Travelers were not shy about sharing their experiences on the icy roads. Cody Viazanko, who hit the road on the very first day of snow, said, “At first, it was pretty bad. I drove like the first day it snowed. It was not good.”
Many drivers echoed his sentiments. Jennifer Hollister talked about a nightmare traffic situation as she drove from Milford to Novi. “I heard only one lane was open going both east and westbound on Grand River,” she said, shaking her head in disbelief.
Marisa Tavolacci recounted her own scare when the car in front of her came to an abrupt halt. “It was scary,” she said, adding, “I thought I was going to go into the ditch.”
How Are Roads Being Cleared?
With snow piling up and visibility down, many residents wondered how road crews are keeping up with the weather. In Oakland County, crews utilize liquid brine when they get advance notice of snow without rain. This proactive approach means they can start treating roads before the snow even hits.
Meanwhile, in Macomb County, Bryan Santo, the director of the Department of Roads, assured citizens that their team is ready for action 24/7: “Depending on the severity and duration of a winter storm, our crews are dispatched appropriately to ensure roadways are treated throughout the duration of a storm.”
For Wayne County, the strategy involves pre-salting bridge decks and elevated surfaces, along with roads that see lower traffic volumes. According to Penelope Filyo, a communications specialist, they also use brine units to make salt stick better to roads, which helps it melt the ice more effectively. “This also makes the salt more effective at melting ice,” she emphasized.
What Happens When It Gets Really Cold?
It turns out that when temperatures plunge below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, even salt can struggle to do its job. According to the 4Warn Weather team, municipalities will often mix brine with salt for more effective results in extreme cold. “When we treat the salt with this combination, it is more effective in colder temperatures, as low as 15 to 20 degrees below freezing,” Santo explained.
Prioritizing the Roads
But you might wonder—just which roads do the plowing teams tackle first? The Oakland County Road Commission uses a five-tier system for this. Roads with over 40,000 cars per day or 10,000 cars per lane are designated as Priority 1, while local streets and subdivisions wait their turn.
In Macomb County, primary state and county roads take precedence over local roads. And in Wayne County, the order of priority is clear: freeways, state trunklines, county primary roads, and finally, local roads.
Staying Safe on the Roads
No matter how much road treatment and snow removal is done, one thing remains clear: safety starts with the driver. Many are being reminded to slow down and increase their following distance during these treacherous conditions. After all, a little caution can go a long way in keeping everyone safe this winter season.
