Road Safety is Encouraged as Winter Settles into the Copper Country

Law enforcement agencies and the Houghton County Road Commission encourage safety on the roads now that winter has come to the Keweenaw Peninsula. Over the last four days, the Copper Country received its first major dump of snow in 2024, with some areas experiencing more than 30 inches of snowfall. The Houghton County Sheriff and MSP Calumet Post advise caution on the roads, after responding to several small accidents. Troopers have mostly needed to help drivers get out of a roadside ditch.

The Houghton County Road Commission says crews are hard at work plowing the roads. Road Commission County Engineer Kevin Harju says that crews are experiencing the same low visibility conditions other drivers are facing. He adds that means drivers sharing the roads with plows need to keep safe distances. Also due to cold temperatures, snow has become matted in some areas making the roadway slick.

“Our crews start at 5:30. So that’s what we are still planning on doing. If the roads become worse for any reason we will put our crews out earlier. Similar to the last storm, it came almost a day late. So we have to react when that starts to occur.” – Kevin Harju, County Engineer, Houghton County Road Commission

Traveling around the area large piles of snow have begun to form where municipalities and road commissions can place it. Municipalities will often truck snow out from the city, to make room for the next snowstorm. However, road commissions rarely have to truck snow from locations.

“Once the banks get too large, and we can’t have two-way traffic on the road we will put our snowblowers out. And throw snow further back in the right-of-way. So we would also like to encourage people not to push their snow out in the road. Because we have so much we have to deal with as is. And we have to keep the roadways safe for the motoring public.” – Kevin Harju, County Engineer, Houghton County Road Commission

With winter in full effect remember to remove your vehicle from the road in the evening and overnight to allow plows more room on the road. Additionally, law enforcement says to slow down and keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles. With more snow expected this evening and over the next couple of days blowing snow may cause limited road visibility. MSP Calumet asks motorists to keep their headlights on, even during the day, to help oncoming traffic more easily see your vehicle.

If you do get stuck in a ditch, call emergency services if needed, and provide an approximate location. Police also suggest several items to keep in your vehicle in the case of an emergency such as a small shovel, cat litter, rock salt, or sand to help with traction, an ice scrapper/brush, spare clothes or a blanket, something to eat, and water. First aid kits for vehicles should carry items like bandages, aspirin, antibiotic ointment, sanitizer or anti-bacterial wipes, instant cold/heat packs, and prescribed medication. Drivers should also consider placing a flashlight or headlamp, road flare, and spare phone battery charger in their vehicle’s emergency kit.