Ottawa County Road Commission

06/10/2026

⚠️ Severe weather is being forecast for the Ottawa County area over the next several days. As a reminder when dealing with downed trees in the road:

If it's an emergency or there are live power lines involved, report the issue directly to 9-1-1. Do not report emergencies via email, social media, or our website — especially after hours, as this will delay response.

Calling 9-1-1 ensures the right crews, including the OCRC, get notified fast, especially after hours.

Any non-emergency tree requests can be submitted during normal business hours (M–Thurs., 7am–4:30pm, & Friday, 7-11am):
📞 616-842-5400
🌐 ottawacorc.com/service-requests/

06/10/2026

Some great information from the folks over at Ottawa County Emergency Management about potential for some severe weather.

Stay safe and stay informed as the weather turns!

⚠️ Severe Weather Expected Across Ottawa County Today and Thursday ⚠️

Ottawa County residents should prepare for two rounds of potentially severe thunderstorms over the next 48 hours.

🌫️ This Morning
Areas of dense fog may reduce visibility, especially near Lake Michigan. Conditions should improve by late morning.

🌡️ This Afternoon
Hot and humid conditions will develop with temperatures near 90 degrees.

⛈️ Round 1: Wednesday Evening (Approximately 5 PM to 9 PM)
Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected to move across Ottawa County from west to east.

Potential hazards include:
• Damaging winds over 60 mph
• Large hail
• Frequent lightning
• Heavy rainfall

⛈️ Round 2: Thursday Evening and Overnight
A second round of storms is expected Thursday evening and may be stronger than today's storms.

Potential hazards include:
• Damaging winds
• Large hail
• Isolated tornadoes
• Torrential rainfall
• Localized flooding

🌧️ Flooding Concerns
Repeated rounds of thunderstorms may bring 1 to 4 inches of rain through Thursday night. Localized flooding of roads, low lying areas, and small streams is possible.

✅ Take Action Now
• Secure outdoor furniture and loose items.
• Charge electronic devices.
• Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, especially overnight.
• Never drive through flooded roadways.

Stay weather aware and monitor trusted sources for updates, watches, and warnings.

For preparedness information, visit www.miOttawa.org/Sheriff/em or call Ottawa County Emergency Management at 616-738-4052.

06/09/2026

➡️Did you know that as the temperatures get hotter, the risk of pavement issues increases? That's right -- excessive heat can cause concrete roads to buckle in the heat.

In excessive summer heat and under sunny skies, concrete slabs absorb considerably more solar radiation and begin to expand toward each other. This causes friction and extra pressure on expansion joints between slabs of concrete on roadways.

If the joint between two concrete slabs becomes too tight, then the expanding slabs have nowhere to go but up!
Concrete can heave, crack or break up.

06/08/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of a Branch County Road Commission employee who was critically injured while working last week.

This heartbreaking tragedy serves as another painful reminder of the dangers road workers face each day while maintaining and improving our transportation system. We ask all drivers to use extra caution in work zones by slowing down, staying focused, avoiding distractions, and giving crews the room they need to work safely.

A single careless moment behind the wheel can have lifelong consequences. Our thoughts and condolences are with the employee’s loved ones, coworkers, and the entire Branch County Road Commission family during this difficult time.

The 46-year-old driver was airlifted to a hospital after being hit on Thursday. He died from his injuries on Saturday.

06/08/2026

➡️Traffic reminder for the Port Sheldon/120th Ave. closure for people driving on the detour routes:

Drivers traveling on Port Sheldon St. at 112th Ave. and on 120th Ave. at Tyler St. still have the right-of-way and are not required to stop when entering or exiting the closure limits at these intersections.

If you are traveling on the detour routes and approaching these intersections, please come to a complete stop, stay alert, and watch carefully for cross traffic to help keep everyone safe during construction.

We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation as work continues on these projects.

06/08/2026

With several roundabouts being constructed in Ottawa County this season, the Kent County Road Commission has put together a great video that talks about how to safely navigate them.

Roundabouts are designed to improve safety and keep traffic moving, but understanding the basics helps everyone get the most out of their benefits.

✔️ Slow down as you approach
✔️ Yield to pedestrians and traffic already in the roundabout
✔️ Travel counterclockwise to your exit
✔️ Treat bicyclists like other vehicles and do not pass them in the roundabout
✔️ If an emergency vehicle approaches, exit the roundabout before pulling over

06/04/2026

It’s touch-a-truck season! The OCRC was glad to be invited to the Sheldon Woods Elementary School end of the year celebration, which included a touch-a-truck event, where we brought a plow truck and loader.

It’s always great to spend the morning with excited students who love to see this big equipment up close!

06/03/2026

➡️It's no secret — the grass is getting long out there! Crews from all four of our maintenance districts are hitting the roadsides over the next several weeks, with contractors also tackling select state routes in Ottawa County.

It takes time to cover hundreds of miles of county roads, so we appreciate your patience as our teams work through it all over the coming weeks.

If you see slow-moving equipment, please slow down and give them plenty of room. 🚜

06/03/2026

🚧Road Closure Notice: Beginning Monday, June 8, Ferris St. from 160th Ave. to 168th Ave. in Grand Haven Twp. will be closed for water main and non-motorized pathway work. This is estimated to last through Aug. 15, 2026.

Detour: U.S. 31 to Lincoln St. to 152nd Ave.

06/02/2026

The Ottawa County Road Commission is hiring an Assistant Equipment Supervisor to support our Coopersville and Grand Haven garages! 🔧

This hands-on role involves vehicle and equipment maintenance, repairs, troubleshooting, staff supervision, and fleet recordkeeping. CDL license and 4+ years of heavy equipment mechanic experience required.

Ready to join the team? Apply at ottawacorc.com/jobs/