FAQs

Common Questions

We’ve put together a collection of our most frequently asked questions. You can see the most common here or view them all by following the link below.

How are hard-surface roads selected for resurfacing?

Roads are selected based on two key factors — Average Daily Traffic (ADT) and a Pavement Surface Evaluation and Rating (PASER) score.

PASER is a visual method used to rate the condition of paved roads on a scale of 1 to 10. Roads rated 4 or lower are typically considered for resurfacing. PASER ratings are updated every other year (in odd-numbered years) and reviewed jointly by the Road Commission and Township officials.

Average Daily Traffic (ADT) data is collected in each Township on a rotating basis to measure how heavily a road is used.

Other factors considered include ride quality, crash history, and available funding.

👉 Learn more about the Pavement Ratings Link
👉 View Traffic Count Data Link

How are subdivision roads selected for resurfacing?

Resurfacing of subdivision roads is coordinated through the Township where the subdivision is located and must begin with the residents.

A petition signed by at least 51% of the property owners in the subdivision must be submitted to the Township for review. The Township will then schedule a Public Hearing of Necessity to receive comments from residents.

Cost-sharing arrangements between the Township and residents vary by community, and residents should contact their Township directly for details. The Road Commission is available to answer general questions or provide guidance.

When is a Permit required?

A permit is required for any work performed within the County Road Right of Way. This includes construction or modification of driveways, utility work, and other similar activities.

Permit applications can be submitted electronically through the Oxcart Permitting System, which is available to both residents and contractors.

Permit requirements, instructions, and current fee schedules can be found on our website.

👉 Visit our Permit Information and Application Page Link

A road commission truck knocked down my mailbox.  Now What?

Mailboxes are located within the County Road Right of Way and may occasionally be damaged during snow plowing or other road maintenance activities.

While the Road Commission is not liable for damage to private installations within the Right of Way, we do offer a replacement mailbox and post free of charge.

Homeowners may pick up a standard mailbox and 7-foot steel post at the Road Commission office within 30 days of the incident (please note: larger vehicles may be needed for transport).

For proper installation, mailboxes must meet USPS placement standards, which are outlined in our mailbox policy.

👉 Review our Mailbox Replacement Policy and Installation Standards PDF

Also, please note, especially during winter months, in order to reduce risk of damage to existing mailboxes, please check your mailbox to make sure it is attached securely to the post. Also, please remove any snow build up around the post so when the road is plowed, the new snow isn’t pushing up against snow already piled up. Sometimes this forces the post to snap. Typically, most mailboxes damaged during snow removal are from the force of the snow coming off of the plow.

There is a dead deer (or small animal) in my yard.  Now What?

The Road Commission will remove or push animals off the traveled portion of the roadway only. We do not remove animals from private property, driveways, ditches, or road shoulders.

If the animal is creating a safety hazard, please contact 911 immediately.
For non-emergency situations, you may call our office or submit an online Request for Service for assistance.

👉 Submit an Online Request for Service Link

Funding FAQ’s

Why isn’t my property tax enough to fix the roads?

Most people are surprised to learn that county road commissions receive very little, if any, funding from general property taxes. The primary source of road funding in Michigan is the Michigan Transportation Fund (MTF), which is generated from fuel taxes and vehicle registration fees and distributed under Public Act 51.

Road maintenance, preservation, and reconstruction costs have increased significantly over the years, while funding has not kept pace with inflation or construction costs. As a result, available funding is often sufficient to maintain roads in fair condition, but not enough to rebuild or pave every road that residents would like improved.

How is MTF funds distributed among the 18 Townships through the Lapeer CRC?

The Lapeer CRC provides a funding allocation each year for Township’s use.  The formula for the allocation distribution is calculated using a weighted average of 65% Township Road Mileage and 35% Township Population.  Townships may utilize this funding to supplement routine maintenance activities, such as mowing, brining, ditching and capital improvements.   Due to rising costs of construction projects, most townships choose to contribute additional local funds to accelerate road improvements within their jurisdiction.

How do I get my road paved?

Road paving projects typically begin with discussions between residents, township officials, and the Road Commission. Factors considered include:

• • Traffic volume
  • Existing road condition
  • Available funding
  • Drainage improvements needed
  • Long-term maintenance costs

If the Road is within a Subdivision, Residents should first contact their Township Board or Township Supervisor to express interest in paving. The township can then work with the Road Commission to evaluate the roadway and discuss potential funding options.

If my township does not have money to pave the road, are there other options?

Yes. Depending on the circumstances, residents may consider:

• • Special Assessment Districts (SADs), where benefiting property owners share in the project cost.
  • Multi-year township funding plans.
  • Cost-sharing programs between the township and Road Commission.
  • Grant opportunities, when available.
  • Incremental improvements such as gravel upgrades, drainage improvements, or surface treatments until full paving becomes financially feasible.

Each option has advantages and limitations and is evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

I am in a Subdivision, how do I initiate a Special Assessment for road paving?

In order to start the Special Assessment District (SAD) project, 51% of the residents within the subdivision will need to sign a petition for the proposed work.  This petition can be submitted to the Township and Road Commission for review and to schedule a Public Hearing of Necessity.

Depending on the type of project, Road Commission staff may evaluate:

• • Existing road conditions
  • Drainage issues
  • Traffic volumes
  • Safety concerns
  • Estimated construction costs
  • Potential funding sources

Most road projects begin through discussions between residents, township officials, and Road Commission staff.

Who is responsible for constructing and maintaining sidewalks?

In Michigan, sidewalks are generally the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, depending on local ordinances and jurisdiction.

Lapeer CRC is responsible for the roadway itself, including pavement, drainage, culverts, signs, and the road right-of-way. Lapeer CRC’s Permit Department may review permit applications for sidewalk construction within its right-of-way, however, it is not responsible for constructing or maintaining sidewalks.

Weight Restrictions FAQ’s

What are Weight Restrictions?

Weight restrictions are seasonal limits placed on certain roads to protect them from damage during periods when the road base is weakened by frost thawing. As frost leaves the ground, moisture becomes trapped beneath the pavement, reducing the road’s ability to support heavy loads.

During weight restriction season, trucks and other commercial vehicles may be required to reduce their axle loads by a specified percentage unless they are operating on designated All-Season Roads.

Weight restrictions help extend the life of roads, reduce maintenance costs, and prevent premature pavement failures such as cracking, rutting, and potholes.

When do Weight Restrictions Go into Effect and When Are They Lifted?

Weight restrictions are typically implemented in late winter or early spring when frost begins to leave the ground. The exact dates vary each year based on weather conditions, soil conditions, and frost depth.

In Michigan, county road commissions monitor road conditions closely and coordinate with neighboring agencies and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) when determining when restrictions should begin and end.

Generally:

• • Restrictions are imposed when thawing conditions begin to weaken roads.
  • Restrictions are lifted when roads have sufficiently dried out and regained their structural strength.

Because weather conditions vary annually, there is no fixed calendar date for implementation or removal.  During Spring Weight Restrictions, the Lapeer CRC includes daily updates on our main website home page and on our Facebook page.

What are All-Season Roads?

All-Season Roads are roads that have been designed, constructed, or improved to carry heavier loads year-round, including during seasonal weight restriction periods.

These roads typically have stronger pavement structures, better drainage systems, and thicker road bases than standard roads.

During weight restriction season:

• • Trucks may continue to operate at normal legal loads on All-Season Roads.
  • Reduced loads are generally required on roads that are not designated as All-Season.

The All-Season Road network is intended to provide a reliable transportation system for businesses, agriculture, emergency services, and freight movement while protecting more vulnerable roads from damage.

What Can I Do About Big Trucks and Gravel Trains Running on My Road?

Large trucks and gravel trains are often legally permitted to use county roads for commercial, agricultural, industrial, and construction-related activities. In many cases, these vehicles are traveling to homes, businesses, farms, gravel pits, construction projects, or other destinations that depend on truck access.

If you are concerned about truck traffic, you can:

• • Contact the County Road Commission to discuss your concerns.
  • Provide information regarding specific locations, times, or safety concerns.
  • Report vehicles that appear to be violating weight limits or traffic laws.
  • Contact local law enforcement regarding speeding or other traffic violations.

It is important to understand that roads cannot typically be restricted simply because residents dislike truck traffic. Any truck restrictions must be supported by engineering, safety, or legal considerations and must comply with state and federal regulations.

Additionally, many county roads serve as critical transportation routes for local businesses, agriculture, construction, and emergency services. Restricting truck traffic on one road often shifts that traffic onto neighboring roads and may create additional impacts elsewhere.

Signs / Traffic Signals / Speed

Who Initiates Addresses for New Homes?

New addresses are typically initiated during the building permit process. Either the Township’s Building Department or Construction Code Authority (contracted through the Township) assigns the address to ensure emergency responders can quickly locate the property.

If you are planning to build a new home, contact your local building department early in the process to determine the address assignment procedure.

How Can I Get a “Children at Play” Sign Put Up to Protect My Children?

While many people request “Children at Play” signs, studies have shown that these signs generally do not reduce vehicle speeds or improve safety. Because children may play throughout a neighborhood and not just near a sign, drivers are expected to exercise caution at all times.

For this reason, Lapeer CRC, does not install “Children at Play” signs as a traffic control device.

The most effective ways to improve child safety include:

• • Adult supervision.
  • Teaching children safe roadway habits.
  • Keeping play activities away from the roadway.
  • Reporting specific traffic safety concerns to the Road Commission or local law enforcement.

People Are Speeding on Our Road. How Do I Get the Speed Limit Lowered?

Speed limits in Michigan are established through engineering studies and are not based solely on resident requests.  When reviewing a speed limit, factors considered include:

• • Existing vehicle speeds.
  • Road characteristics.
  • Crash history.
  • Traffic volumes.
  • Roadside development.
  • State laws and engineering standards.

In many cases, lowering a posted speed limit without corresponding roadway conditions does not significantly reduce actual travel speeds and may make enforcement more difficult.

If you believe there is a speeding problem, contact the County Road Commission or local law enforcement agency. A traffic study may be conducted to determine whether changes are warranted.

What Is the Speed Limit on My Road if It Is Not Posted?

Under Michigan law, if a road does not have a posted speed limit, the default speed limit is determined by state statute and the characteristics of the roadway.

Generally:

• • 25 mph in residential subdivisions.
  • 55 mph on most gravel & paved county roads and highways unless otherwise posted.

Drivers are always required to operate at a careful and prudent speed based on weather, traffic, visibility, and road conditions, even when the posted speed limit would otherwise permit faster travel.

My Neighbors and I Think We Should Have a Traffic Light at Our Corner. There Have Been a Lot of Accidents Here. If I Get Enough Signatures, Can We Have One?

Traffic signals are not installed based on petitions or the number of signatures collected.  Before a traffic signal can be installed, a formal engineering study must be completed. The study evaluates factors such as:

• • Traffic volumes.
  • Pedestrian activity.
  • Crash history.
  • Delay experienced by motorists.
  • Roadway geometry.
  • National traffic engineering standards.

Many intersections that experience crashes do not meet the criteria required for a traffic signal. In some cases, other improvements such as enhanced signage, stop control modifications, lighting, or geometric improvements may be more effective.

Residents may request that an intersection be reviewed, but the final decision is based on engineering analysis and applicable standards.

Who Has the Right-of-Way at an Intersection When a Traffic Signal Is Out?

When a traffic signal is dark or completely inoperative, Michigan law requires drivers to treat the intersection as an all-way stop.

Drivers must:

1. 1. Come to a complete stop.
   2. Yield to vehicles already in the intersection.
   3. Yield to vehicles that arrived first.
   4. Proceed only when it is safe to do so.

Motorists should exercise additional caution during power outages or signal malfunctions, as not all drivers may recognize the signal is inoperative.

Gravel Roads

What Causes Potholes in Pavements During the Spring?

Potholes are primarily caused by Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles. During the winter and early spring, water enters small cracks in the pavement. When temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands, causing the pavement to crack and weaken. As temperatures warm, the ice melts, leaving voids beneath the surface.

Traffic traveling over these weakened areas breaks apart the pavement, creating potholes. The combination of moisture, fluctuating temperatures, and heavy traffic makes spring the most common time of year for pothole formation.  Lapeer CRC prioritizes pothole repairs as weather conditions allow, but new potholes may continue to develop until roads fully dry out and stabilize.

The Gravel Road That I Live On Is Full of Holes – When Are You Going to Grade It?

Gravel roads naturally develop potholes, washboards, and ruts as traffic and weather affect the road surface. Lapeer CRC crews continuously monitor gravel road conditions and schedule grading operations based on road conditions, weather, traffic volumes, and available resources.  Grading is most effective when there is adequate moisture in the road surface. If conditions are too dry, grading can create excessive loose material and dust; if conditions are too wet, grading may not provide lasting results.  In general, gravel roads within Lapeer County are graded about once per month between May – November, subject to weather.

If your road has developed significant potholes or rough areas, you may complete a Request for Service on our website and crews will evaluate the condition and schedule maintenance as needed.

How Can I Get a Dust Control Application on My Road?

Most Townships within Lapeer County contract dust control applications through the Lapeer CRC’s annual maintenance program for gravel roads. Lapeer CRC uses a brine solution, which helps retain moisture within the road surface and reduces airborne dust.  Townships select between applications 2 – 4 times per year.  Lapeer CRC typically does not start dust control until mid-June due to weather restrictions.  

Private dust-control applications arranged by individual residents are generally not permitted within the public road right-of-way without approval from the Road Commission.

How Do I Get My Gravel Road Graded?

Routine grading is scheduled by the Road Commission based on road conditions and maintenance priorities. Residents do not need to submit a formal request for regularly scheduled grading.  However, if conditions have deteriorated significantly due to weather, heavy traffic, or other circumstances, residents are encouraged to notify the Road Commission. Staff can inspect the roadway and determine whether additional grading is warranted.

Please keep in mind that grading schedules are affected by weather conditions, equipment availability, and the needs of other roads throughout the county.

How Do I Get My Road Re-graveled?

Re-graveling is a planned maintenance activity used to replace gravel that has been lost through traffic, snow removal, erosion, and normal wear over time. Roads are typically re-graveled on an 8 to 10-year rotation within each township.  Because re-graveling is costly, roads are evaluated and prioritized based on:

• • Existing gravel thickness
  • Traffic volumes
  • Road condition
  • Drainage conditions
  • Available funding

Residents may contact the Road Commission if they believe a road needs additional gravel.

Snow Plowing / Winter Maintenance

Why Does It Take So Long to Get My Road Plowed?

During winter storms, Lapeer CRC responsible for maintaining hundreds of miles of roads, often under rapidly changing weather conditions. Snowplow routes are prioritized to ensure that the highest-volume and most critical roads are cleared first.  Typically, crews typically focus on:

1. 1. State Routes
   2. Primary Roads and major travel routes.
   3. School bus routes and emergency service routes.
   4. Local roads
   5. Subdivision residential areas.

Depending on the severity, duration, and timing of a storm, it may take several hours—or in some cases more than a day after snowfall ends—for crews to complete all routes. If snow continues to fall or strong winds cause drifting, roads that have already been plowed may require multiple passes before all routes can be completed.  Lapeer CRC strives to keep roads passable during storms and return them to normal driving conditions as soon as possible.

What Should Be Kept in Mind When Shoveling or Plowing Driveways?

When clearing a driveway, residents should never place snow, ice, or slush onto the roadway or shoulder.  Placing snow in the road can:

• • Create hazardous driving conditions.
  • Cause vehicles to lose control.
  • Block drainage paths.
  • Create obstacles for snowplows.
  • Increase the likelihood of crashes.

To reduce the amount of snow pushed back into a driveway by passing snowplows, residents should:

• • Place snow on the downstream side of the driveway whenever possible.
  • Clear an area to the side of the driveway near the road to provide storage for snow.
  • Avoid creating large piles near intersections or where they could obstruct visibility.

Drivers should also be aware that snowplows are required to clear the full width of the roadway, and some snow may be deposited at driveway entrances during normal plowing operations.

What Type of Mailbox Am I Allowed to Install?

Mailboxes located within the public road right-of-way should be designed and installed to minimize hazards to motorists while still providing reliable mail delivery.  Generally, mailbox installations should:

• • Comply with local requirements.
  • Meet applicable postal service standards.
  • Be mounted on a breakaway or yielding support.
  • Avoid the use of large masonry, concrete, steel pipe, railroad tie, or other rigid structures that could create a safety hazard.

The safest mailbox supports are typically wood posts or lightweight metal posts designed to break away when struck by a vehicle.  Before installing or replacing a mailbox, residents should contact the County Road Commission to verify current requirements, setback distances, and any local standards that may apply.

Right of Way / Miscellaneous