Kent County Road Commission FAQ

How Can I Find Out What Agency Has Jurisdiction over My Road?

Use KCRC's Find My Jurisdiction tool to help confirm and contact the appropriate agency. 

How do I get KCRC to install a traffic signal at my intersection?

Requests for a change to traffic control, like the installation of a traffic signal or all-way stop, are reviewed by the Kent County Road Commission Traffic and Safety Division with the decision based on state guidelines and federally-mandated warrants. 

The ultimate goal when considering a traffic control modification (i.e. all-way stop, traffic signal) is to provide a safe intersection for vehicles, pedestrians, and bicyclists. It seems logical that a modification to traffic control would most certainly improve the safety of an intersection, but this is not always the case. In fact, in some instances, traffic control changes only serve to alter the type of crashes that occur and can potentially increase the number, or severity, of accidents. Therefore, it is essential that KCRC performs analysis of the intersections within its network on an ongoing basis and adheres to federally-mandated warrants defined in the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) regarding modifications to traffic control.

Meeting a mandated warrant for any traffic control device (sign, signal or pavement marking) is the minimum criteria for traffic control modification. The decision to install a traffic control device is made on the basis of an engineering study, the mandated warrant(s) and engineering judgment by a KCRC traffic engineer.

Traffic Signals
At least one of nine warrants must be met before a traffic signal can be installed. These warrants address the number of vehicles, pedestrians, crashes - or a combination of the aforementioned- that must exist before a signal can be installed. According to the MMUTCD, other factors that must be considered include:

• A traffic control signal should not be installed unless one or more of the (warrants) are met.
• A traffic control signal should not be installed unless an engineering study indicates that installing a traffic control signal will improve the overall safety and/or operation of the intersection.
• A traffic control signal should not be installed if it will seriously disrupt progressive traffic flow.

Multi-Way Stop
Similar to a traffic signal, multi-way stop installation is dependent upon federally-mandated warrants and criteria. According to the MUTCD, multi-way stop signs should be installed on the basis of an engineering study, the mandated warrant(s) and engineering judgment by a KCRC traffic engineer.

Warning/Caution Signs
Please note that any devices that are not in the MMUTCD are not accepted as traffic controls and cannot be used. These include "slow children,” “children at play” and "slow" signs.

How do I get a street sign made for our private street?

To request the production of a street sign for a private street, please call the Permit Department at 616-242-6920.

My car hit a pothole and incurred damage. How do I get reimbursed?

​Potholes are an unfortunate consequence of Michigan weather, and KCRC seeks to fix potholes as soon as possible after we are notified.

Under Michigan law, the Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) is not liable for any damages caused by a roadway defect unless: (1) the defect constituted an imperfection that made the roadway not reasonably safe and convenient for public travel; (2) the Road Commission had notice of the defect; and (3) the Road Commission failed to take corrective measures relating to the defect within a reasonable amount of time. This is a three-part requirement. That is to say, each one of these factors must be established for liability to exist on the part of the Road Commission. Therefore, KCRC typically does not reimburse for damage due to a pothole.

If you believe that all three conditions have been met, and the pothole was on a road under Kent County Road Commission jurisdiction, please contact KCRC’s Traffic and Safety Division at 616-242-6936.

What are seasonal weight and speed restrictions?

Seasonal weight and speed restrictions are legal limits placed on the loads trucks may carry and the speed at which they can travel. The intent of the restrictions is to protect the integrity of the road when frost is coming out of the ground. Normal legal loads must be reduced by approximately 35% and truck vehicle speeds reduced to 35 mph.

People are speeding on our road. How do I get the speed limit lowered?

When a request is received to lower the speed limit on a county road, it is reviewed collaboratively by the township, KCRC and the Michigan State Police. The potential next step includes conducting speed studies, accident analyses, and driving environment surveys. A recommendation is made based on analysis of the data collected and established traffic engineering criteria.

If it is determined that a change should be made to the speed limit, a Traffic Control Order is submitted by the Director of the Michigan State Police for KCRC approval.

The primary basis for establishing a proper, realistic speed limit is the nationally recognized method of using the 85th percentile speed. This is the speed at or below which 85% of the traffic moves. Please note that posting unrealistically low speed limits may create a false sense of security, and studies have shown that the driving environment, not the posted speed limit, is the main influence on motorists’ speeds.

If a tree falls in the traveled portion of the roadway, what do I do?

If a tree falls in the traveled portion of the roadway designed for public travel; what do I do?

So that it may be addressed as quickly as possible:

• Call the KCRC office at 616-242-6950 during normal business hours
  (Mon - Fri, 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM) OR call 911
• Afterhours and over the weekend, call 911
• If there is a downed wire, call 911 before contacting Consumers Energy (800-477-5050) and remain at least 25 feet away from the downed wire
• When in doubt, call 911

If the fallen tree is outside the traveled portion of the road and is not causing an emergency issue to the traveling public, you may report it via the Report an Issue online form or call KCRC at 616-242-6950.