Overview
- Sumpter Township issued a public safety emergency over severely rutted, washboarded gravel roads that officials say are damaging vehicles and slowing first responders.
- Huron Township followed with its own emergency declaration after residents reported similarly unsafe conditions on local gravel routes.
- Sumpter’s order seeks immediate grading and repairs, a defined maintenance schedule with dates, and a durable multi-year improvement plan.
- Wayne County’s Department of Public Services says it has serviced gravel roads in both townships more than two dozen times since January, shared a detailed work log, and continues to monitor conditions.
- County officials note gravel roads degrade quickly during freeze–thaw cycles, and repairs may not fully hold until the ground thaws, with residents directed to report issues at 888-ROAD-CREW.