GAYLORD, Mich. - As utility companies are still working to restore power to thousands of customers along state highways, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds residents that placing storm debris in the right of way is prohibited.
MDOT and county road commission maintenance employees are working to clear roadsides to support utility company efforts to replace and repair damaged power and telecommunications services located in the right of way. Storm damage materials placed in those areas counters those efforts and can delay power and telecommunications service restoration.
"We understand that residents are working to clear their properties of debris from the ice storm more than a week ago, but the roadside is not the place for that material," said Bill Wahl, MDOT North Region associate engineer for operations. "MDOT does not have the resources to collect those materials and has no plans to remove them."
Residents who are gathering storm damage materials for collection and disposal by private companies should place them back from the roadside and away from any utility lines.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has announced a webpage outlining resources for communities impacted by last week's ice strom: www.Michigan.gov/IceStorm. It features a dashboard showing available shelters, gas stations and oxygen availability. For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit Michigan.gov/MIReady or follow the Michigan State Police/Emergency Management and Homeland Security account on X at @MichEMHS.
