The Genesee County Road Commission’s primary source of funding comes from the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF). Revenue collected through state fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees is deposited into this fund. There is a specific formula as to how this money is distributed and how it can be used. The Road Commission also receives money from federal and township contributions for specific projects. Click here to learn more about road funding. 

Primary roads are chosen for resurfacing based on a rating that considers the quality of the road as well as the amount of traffic that travels on the road. Local roads are chosen by townships based on the amount of money townships have available to split the cost of the project. In a neighborhood or subdivision, property owners may form a Special Assessment District. Click here to learn more about SADs. 

The Genesee County Road Commission works with communities, the Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission, and the Michigan Department of Transportation to identify future road needs. Project planning begins with extensive background work. Then, a funding source needs to be identified. If there is no money available in the current budget, the project may be delayed. Next, Road Commission engineers take surveys and work on the design. There is also an environmental review and there may be public comment and informational meetings. If federal funds are involved, the Federal Highway Administration will inspect the site and review the plans. Road Commission staff may need to negotiate with nearby property owners if additional land is required. Bids are collected and awarded to a contractor. Then begins the actual construction of the project. 

The Road Commission uses the Michigan Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The manual identifies nine warrants (rules) that determine where a signal should be installed. The warrants take into consideration the volume of traffic, accident history, pedestrian and bicyclist needs and more. 

To get a speed limit changed on a county road, the Michigan State Police and the Genesee County Road Commission have to conduct a speed study. The Michigan State Police, Genesee County Road Commission and township must agree on the result. If the study warrants a change, it will be brought before the Board of Commissioners. In some cases, a higher speed limit may be recommended. Click here to learn more.

As a result of the National Environmental Protection Act of 1970 and the Michigan Protection Act shortly thereafter, road agencies must carefully document all potential damage resulting from major, federally funded projects and review alternatives to mitigate damages. 

Construction projects in wooded areas are reviewed, including with field visits, to determine if significant trees could be saved by adjusting the road alignment or by any other means.

Lakes and streams are protected from runoff from construction sites through the use of special drainage provisions, straw and in some cases, special fabrics.

Drainage catch basins are designed to trap sediment and floating debris such as oil before it reaches our lakes and streams.

All Road Commission staff handling chemicals are trained and certified to handle them properly.

For dust control on gravel roads in the townships, the Road Commission uses brine. Brine tends to bind with the soil and does not represent a runoff problem.

The salt used for winter snow maintenance is drawing additional attention. Not only is it corrosive to vehicles, but it does run off into lakes and streams. Sand or salt and sand combinations are used in some situations, but are not as effective overall in keeping traffic moving safely as is salt alone.

Also, sand tends to fill up the storm sewers and adds to the lake and stream sediment problem. 
Alternatives to salt (sodium chloride) are constantly being sought, but none that is as effective has yet been found.

The area where the rocks are placed is usually not private property; it is within the public right of way.  A permit is required to install anything within the public right of way. The agency that has jurisdiction over the road (city, road commission or state) is obligated to maintain safe public roads, including the right of way outside the paved portion. The road agency can seek legal relief for damages from persons responsible for hazards placed within the right of way.

These rocks can be safety hazards. If a vehicle leaves the roadway, rocks won't stop these out-of-control vehicles, just damage them and possibly injure the occupants. A rock could be hit by a vehicle sending it flying and possibly injuring residents. Pedestrians, including children, can trip on rocks and possibly fall into the street.

Vehicles tear up the lawn, but rocks are hazards, and life has a greater value than grass and landscaping. A roadside clear of obstructions and hazards allows drivers to regain control of their vehicles.

In addition to rocks in the right of way, other items can pose serious traffic safety hazards: solid flower garden borders of decorative timbers, mail boxes (especially those installed on large brick, concrete, or steel posts), sign posts and poles, fences, trees, bushes, etc. In addition to the physical hazard of something in or near the right of way line, these items can cause a sight distance problem, especially at intersections and driveways.

At the right place and under the right conditions, a stop sign tells drivers and pedestrians who has the right of way. Nationally recognized standards have been established to determine when stop signs should be used. These standards, or "warrants," are:

1. Intersections of a less important road with a main road where the normal right of way rule is unduly hazardous, 
2. A street entering a through highway or street,
3. Un-signalized intersections in a signalized area, or
4. Other intersections where a combination of high speed, restricted view and serious crash record indicates a need for control by the stop sign.

Before a stop sign can be installed, a traffic study must be conducted to determine the prevalent speeds of vehicles, sight distance restriction between all approaching vehicles and to analyze crash data.

Prior to the application of these stop sign warrants, consideration should be given to less restrictive measures, such as a yield sign.

Studies conducted in cities where such signs were widely posted in residential areas show no evidence of having reduced pedestrian crashes, vehicles speeds or legal liability. Children shouldn't be encouraged to play in the roadway. 

Federal standards discourage the use of "children at play" signs. The Michigan Vehicle Code prohibits the installation of any sign that is not specified in the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. To be effective, traffic controls should meet five basic requirements:

1. Fulfill a need,
2. Command attention,
3. Convey a clear, simple meaning,
4. Command the respect of road users, and
5. Give adequate time for proper response.

"Children at play" signs do not fulfill a need because children should not be playing in the street, and do not convey a clear, simple message, other than implying to the children that it is acceptable to play in the street.

Specific warnings for schools, playgrounds, parks and other recreational facilities where persons are gathered and may be vulnerable are listed in the Michigan Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and available for use where clearly justified.

The Genesee County Road Commission makes every effort to protect and preserve the integrity of property owners' mailboxes. However, during periods of heavy snow accumulation, mailboxes can become damaged due to winter maintenance road scraping and plowing. Property owners are encouraged to inspect their mailboxes/supports before the winter season each year and to replace deteriorated mailboxes/posts to ensure their durability.

For damages caused by Genesee County Road Commission vehicles, the Road Commission will reimburse property owners up to $60 upon presentation of a receipt for a mailbox. Receipts may be mailed or brought into our office at 211 W. Oakley St. Flint, Michigan 48503.

Click here for information on mailbox installation. 

A speed bump is a bump of asphalt about a foot wide, 3 to 4 inches high, and placed laterally across the traveled portion of the road. The speed bump poses an increased hazard to the unwary, a challenge to the daredevil, a disruption of the movement of emergency vehicles, the cause of an undesirable increase in noise, and a real problems for snow removal.

Because speed bumps have considerable potential for liability suits, Michigan has officially rejected them as a standard traffic control device on public streets.

Tests of various experimental designs have demonstrated the physical inability of a speed bump to successfully control the speeds of all types of vehicles. The purpose of a speed bump is to make the ride over it uncomfortable for the driver, thus encouraging him/her to reduce their speed. The driver of a soft-sprung sedan can experience a more comfortable ride over a speed bump at a lower or higher speed, because of the vehicle's suspension system. On the other hand, a vehicle with tighter suspension (school bus, fire engine, moving van, etc.) must virtually stop before going over a speed bump.

Often these devices are suggested to combat speeding or "through" vehicles. If speeding is the problem, studies must be conducted to determine the extent of the problem. Other, more effective steps can be taken to decrease the speeds of vehicles or number of speeders. Often, there are a few speeders who cause most of the problems. If "through" traffic is the problem, it is often the symptom of a traffic-related problem on a nearby major street. The real problem should be determined, analyzed and corrected.

The control of speeding in neighborhoods is a widespread concern which requires the residents' compliance, patience and persistent law enforcement efforts, not speed bumps.

When it comes to plowing, roads are ranked in terms of priority based on traffic volume. The first priority is expressways. Next is main streets and third is local roads. Subdivision streets are the final priority. The Genesee County Road Commission is responsible for more than 1,600 miles of roads. Our drivers are working hard to keep roads clear and safe. We cannot give a specific time as to when a certain street will be plowed.

While Road Commissions do not have a statutory duty to remove roadkill carcasses, they have a duty to reasonably maintain roads for safe and convenient public travel. The Road Commission will pick up large, non-domestic dead animals that are in the roadway and are creating a hazard for motorists.

To report a large dead animal in the roadway, use the form at the top of the page to report an issue or call 911 if it is an emergency.