IRON MOUNTAIN - The Dickinson County Road Commission will be following the Michigan Department of Transportation's (MDOT) priority route snow maintenance procedure again this winter.

All state highways have been designated as either level one orange routes or level two blue routes, depending on the economic and travel trends of the area.

On the high priority orange routes, road crews will clear ice and snow across the entire width of the road, using overtime if necessary. According to MDOT, orange routes represent only 34 percent of state highway miles, but 93 percent of Michigan residents live within 20 miles of one.

Local orange routes include U.S. 2 and M-95 in Dickinson County.

Blue routes will be cleared at a minimum of one wheel track on either side of the center line by the conclusion of the snow event.

This means that a vehicle's right wheels will be traveling in snow. The entire width of blue routes will be cleared as soon as reasonably possible without using overtime.

Local blue routes include U.S. 8 and M-69 in Dickinson County, and all U.S. and state highways in Iron County.

Increasing operating costs, increasing road salt prices, and declining gas tax revenues have all contributed to MDOT officials' decision to continue the priority system.

"These guidelines have been established to ensure the most efficient use of limited dollars to maintain the state's highway system," said MDOT director of communications Bill Shreck. "Despite rising costs last winter, MDOT crews used 170,000 fewer tons of salt than the year before while still keeping Michigan trunklines clear for travel."

Tim Hammill, managing director of the Dickinson County Road Commission, added that road salt prices are currently between $57 and $58 per ton.

"We'll be keeping an eye on the price," he said. "It's already up 20 percent from last year."

MDOT officials would like to remind Michigan drivers to monitor the weather, winterize their vehicles, and check traffic flow and lane closures at www.michigan.gov/drive before they get behind the wheel this winter.

"Some motorists may have forgotten how to drive on slick roads when visibility is limited," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "The key is planning ahead."

Winter driving tips

- Follow the basic speed law, which requires motorists to drive at a careful and prudent speed, even if that speed is lower than the posted speed limit.

- Be cautious of bridges that may be icy although the approaching pavement is clear and dry.

- Slow down when visibility is low or when road conditions are snowy or icy.

- Accelerate and brake slowly, and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers.

- Do not pump anti-lock brakes.

- Do not "crowd the plow."

Nikki Younk's e-mail address is nyounk@ironmountaindailynews.com.