Russell Township

A Winter Reminder: Please Slow Down on Side Streets

This winter has been unlike anything most of us have experienced. The sustained cold, repeated snow events, and prolonged freeze–thaw cycles have made road conditions especially challenging, particularly on neighborhood and side streets.

At the same time, communities across Ohio (and much of the Midwest) are facing a significant salt shortage. Salt supplies that are normally sourced locally or regionally are simply not available. In some cases, vendors are having to bring salt in from as far away as Texas, driving costs dramatically higher. For example, our parking-lot plowing contractor is now passing along a three-times surcharge for salting due to these supply constraints.

Because of this, the township is working carefully to balance safety with responsible use of the salt we have on hand. Our road crews are prioritizing main routes, hills, curves, and known problem areas, while conserving material so we can respond throughout the remainder of the season.

What we’re asking of residents is simple and important:

Please slow down on side streets and use extra caution.

Even four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive does not prevent sliding, losing control, or ending up in a ditch. These systems help you move forward, but they do not improve braking or traction on ice. Lower speeds give you time to react and significantly reduce the risk of crashes.

This is truly a once-in-a-generation winter. A little extra patience now helps protect neighbors, emergency responders, and road crews, and helps ensure we can keep roads as safe as possible for everyone through the rest of the season.

Thank you for adjusting your driving, looking out for one another, and helping us get through this winter safely.

from Russell Township Trustee Amy Heutmaker