[Coldjensens]

Originally Posted by Peter B

Thank God for no salt!! Lot's easier on the vehicles and encourages the idiots to slow down a bit. Not to mention better for the environment. Now if we can only get them to stop putting sand down. People should make sure they have good and or snow tires on their vehicles. Most do not and then they cry when the roads aren't clear down to the pavement.

I have good tires, but they do not make snow tires for my car. Without salt or sand, slowing down is not an issue for me at all. I cannot go. I get stuck on the freeway. I also slide all over he place when I can move. So for some people- reasonably cleared roads are necessary.

I heard that they cut back on the funding for snow removal. Labor is probably the big issue. I still see a great deal of salt stockpiled in those igloos and it looks about the same as it did last year. I see salt trucks paked by the igloos. I just do not see them loading up and getting out ont he road as much as last year. Salt aside, they are not even plowing most of the roads. Salt is not much good when you have two or more feet of snow on the road. My guess is that they do not have enough money budgeted to pay the drivers.

[flyingwriter]

I'm sure it's a budget issue. Here in the city of Three Rivers they still salt, but it's all but useless as our trucks can't spread salt at all. They just dump it in a few spots on the road, making one small area clear and the rest of the road is still iced up. The rest of St. Joseph County doesn't salt, just a little sand on the main roads. The side roads don't get cleared at all. Kalamazoo is worse, they don't salt at all anymore. It's a total mess. There are still piles of snow in the road from three weeks ago.

[kimba01]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

I have good tires, but they do not make snow tires for my car. Without salt or sand, slowing down is not an issue for me at all. I cannot go. I get stuck on the freeway. I also slide all over he place when I can move. So for some people- reasonably cleared roads are necessary.

I heard that they cut back on the funding for snow removal. Labor is probably the big issue. I still see a great deal of salt stockpiled in those igloos and it looks about the same as it did last year. I see salt trucks paked by the igloos. I just do not see them loading up and getting out ont he road as much as last year. Salt aside, they are not even plowing most of the roads. Salt is not much good when you have two or more feet of snow on the road. My guess is that they do not have enough money budgeted to pay the drivers.

I agree. It seems to be much more slicker than in previous years. With a small snowfall it is worse because it gets so slushy and slick with some of the pavement baring. I would rather drive on a ton of snow.

[Michigansnowflake]

I wont complain. I think they are doing a pretty good job of plowing in my neck of the woods. The problem is the a-holes who insist on going 50-60 mph on the slick, icy, snow covered roads.........if you need to drive that fast, leave earlier. I drive a a speed I feel safe at, and pay no mind to the dummies who feel the need to ride my bumper or pass me. Let 'em go I say, I wish to arrive safely and in one piece

[Ivorytickler]

Originally Posted by Cliffie

Not to mention the potholes, which are bad enough to lose an SUV in this year.

The frost heave on some of the roads I drive on is insane. I'm having to slow down to 35 on roads with a 45 mph speed limit to keep my teeth. I don't want to see these roads when the ice underneath them melts. It's the only thing holding them together right now and I'm sure there's no money for road improvement either.

[Coldjensens]

If they would pass a real stimulus spending bill instead of the pork thing that they are currently proposing, there would be money for roads. I am still hoping that that horrid bill will change.

[malamute]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

If they would pass a real stimulus spending bill instead of the pork thing that they are currently proposing, there would be money for roads. I am still hoping that that horrid bill will change.

Where are they going to get the trillion dollars for the stimulus spending bill?

All it will be is more non-existent money being thrown at a big problem, adding to the problem. Maybe some of those people promising to volunteer would sign up for snow removal.

[zakian]

Originally Posted by Peter B

Thank God for no salt!! Lot's easier on the vehicles and encourages the idiots to slow down a bit. Not to mention better for the environment. Now if we can only get them to stop putting sand down. People should make sure they have good and or snow tires on their vehicles. Most do not and then they cry when the roads aren't clear down to the pavement.

Right. Let's start driving sleds instead.

[Cliffie]

Originally Posted by Ivorytickler

The frost heave on some of the roads I drive on is insane. I'm having to slow down to 35 on roads with a 45 mph speed limit to keep my teeth. I don't want to see these roads when the ice underneath them melts. It's the only thing holding them together right now and I'm sure there's no money for road improvement either.

One thing Granholm HAS handled is road repair. There will be a lot more waiting for the asphalt crews come spring.

[zakian]

Originally Posted by Cliffie

I don't need to tell anyone that this has been one of the most brutal winters ever -- snow almost daily, usually lots of it, and bitter cold week after week.

My question is: is it just me, or are there NO salt/gravel trucks out there to help us out? I have only spotted two all winter, and the condition of the roads sure seems to bear me out. Somebody told me there's a salt shortage, but I suspect a money shortage that's keeping the trucks off the road. Am I correct? What gives?

We have these idiots that plow the street.
PPL shovel the side walks and this guy drives sooo fast plowing the street the snow fills up the sidewalks again.And he has a smile on his face. PPL here are old or disabaled.AND broke. Can't afford to pay someone to shovel again or do it themselves.I hate this town.Politics...