Increased Diesel prices won’t stop Kent County Road Commission from keeping roads clearing during the snowstorm

The Kent County Road Commission says it is ready to keep the roads clear this winter as West Michigan prepares for Thursday's snowstorm. Jerry Byrne, the deputy managing director of operations for the Kent County Road Commission, stated, "We feel pretty comfortable that we have the staffing we need, the trucks we need; it’s just a matter we’re going to pay more to get the same thing done this year than what we did last."

However, the county intends to reduce additional projects in the future as fuel prices have started to bite. According to the Kent County Road Commission, the cost of diesel fuel has increased by $1.50 per gallon, or $620,000, since last year.

Bryne highlighted that trucks use more fuel because they use more power, which is about 300-500 horsepower.


He further explained that because truckers are spending more on fuel, they are directing those expenses to the Road Commission. "It’s not just when we fill our trucks up; it’s when all the suppliers have to come here. And they’re getting those same higher diesel fuel prices. They have to pass that onto us, the customer," he said.



He continued by saying that because of the county commission’s need to make cuts due to higher diesel costs, less road and construction work will be carried out this summer.

Nevertheless, Byrne predicts that little will change this winter. He predicted that more than 100 trucks will be operating on the road throughout the day in 12-hour shifts, and 40 vehicles will be operating at night.

According to Byrne, the reliability of the fuel is more crucial than the cost for snowplow drivers. He added that they are concerned with maintaining clear roadways at the end of the day.

FAQs:

1. When will west Michigan experience a snowstorm?
   West Michigan will experience winter snowstorms on Thursday, November 17. Strong winds are also expected to hit the city.
2. When will the diesel market come down?
   According to the IEA, diesel markets are currently "exceptionally tight" and will only get tighter if the EU embargo on the import of Russian goods by sea goes into effect in early 2023.