The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) advises drivers to use caution on gravel roads due to current weather conditions.
Weather over the past few weeks, ranging from snow, rain, frigid temperatures and the current warmer conditions, is causing very rough conditions on many of the 750 miles of gravel roads in Oakland County. In many places, the ground remains frozen below the road surface, meaning there is nowhere for water from the rain and melting snow to go.
Until the ground completely thaws, the water simply cannot be absorbed, which is causing soft and wet/muddy conditions on many gravel roads. Fully grading gravel roads under these conditions can be detrimental, so crews will continue to add material and spot grade where possible.
Culverts under driveways to businesses and homes should also be cleared of leaves and debris to assure that storm water will properly flow through ditches and reduce the potential for road flooding. It is important for motorists to be on the lookout for water over the road regardless of whether they are driving on a paved or gravel road.
For more information or to report an issue, contact the Road Commission for Oakland County at (877) 858-4804, via the website at www.rcocweb.org of through email at dcsmail@rcoc.org.
