Roads
2023 Road Projects Announced - View the Upcoming Projects
All 129.49 miles of public roads in Texas Township are maintained by the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County (RCKC). Public roadways are designated as either primary or local. Primary roads are major roads within a county road system and have high traffic volumes. Local roads have lower traffic volumes and mainly provide access to property and/or funnel traffic to more residential/agricultural areas. Texas Township has 91.613 miles of local roads and 37.882 miles of primary roads. You can view a map that differentiates primary and local roads here.
- Maintenance of primary roads is funded in totality by RCKC.
- Maintenance of local roads is a 50% split between the Township and RCKC, up to the amount of available PAR funds (approximately $250,000). Once all PAR funds have been utilized (which is the portion that RCKC contributes to maintenance) all remaining maintenance is funded 100% by the Township.
- PAR funds are RCKC's Local Road Participation Fund dollars distributed amongst the 15 Kalamazoo County Townships for use on local road projects. Annually, the Board of County Road Commissioners of Kalamazoo County determines the amount of PAR funds to be made available to the townships. Annual PAR fund allocation for each township is based upon a formula comprised of a township’s population, local road mileage and urban mileage.
View 2021 Surface Rating Summary (PDF)
Road Projects
To receive updates on road closures in Texas Township, we encourage you to register for RCKC Connect.
Each year, the Road Committee, in collaboration with RCKC, identifies which roads will receive maintenance and which maintenance type (chip seal, HMA, etc.) is administered. RCKC determines the maintenance schedule and when treatment will occur.
Road Assessment
In 2020, the Township increased the Road Assessment to $120 per buildable parcel. This assessment supports the funding needed to ensure all public roads in the Township are safe and in good condition. With this increase, the Township is positioned to ensure that every local road in the Township receives some maintenance treatment at least once every 10 years.
Maintenance
Snow Removal
As part of their maintenance program, RCKC is responsible for all snow removal on public roadways. They first ensure all primary roads are cleared and local roads are secondary in treatment. The map below identifies the priorities in snow removal.
Potholes/Trees in Road
If a tree falls onto or across a public roadway, please call the Road Commission immediately and/or call 9-1-1 after normal business hours. To report a pothole or other non-emergency maintenance item, you can either call RCKC directly or submit a service request.
Driveways
If you would like to install a new driveway, widening your driveway, or changing the location of your driveway, you will need a Driveway Right-of-Way Permit from RCKC. A driveway permit is not required for seal coating an existing asphalt driveway.
Contact Information
Road Commission of Kalamazoo County
269-381-3171
- What is the width of the road right-of-way?
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The width of the county road right-of-way can vary a great deal. However, the general rule of thumb is that the road right-of-way is 66 feet wide, approximately 33 feet on both sides of the center of the road. There are instances where the road centerline does not match the center of the road right-of-way. It is advisable to utilize Kalamazoo County's Geographic Information System (GIS) site to determine the actual width and location of the road right-of-way.
- What happens if my mailbox is damaged by a snowplow?
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RCKC's policy for mailbox damage is as follows:
More often than not, damage to mailboxes is caused by snow pushing against weakened posts or hardware. Proper maintenance may help to prevent damage during winter maintenance operations. RCKC policy notes that an owner must clearly demonstrate the damage to a mailbox was caused by direct contact by road commission equipment. However, if a snow shield is installed, the Board will not reimburse for any direct contact damage to mailboxes and/or snow shield. The Board will not assume responsibility for mailbox damage that may be caused by snow/ice that is being plowed from the roadway. (See Mailboxes and Mailbox Supports)
- Who is responsible for the removal of dead/dying trees in the right-of-way?
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Dead/dying trees located in the right-of-way are the responsibility of the property owner for removal. The RCKC may remove trees from the public right-of-way that is not designed for vehicular travel, but has the discretion not to do so. If a property owner wishes to remove, trim or prune a tree that is located in the right-of-way they must complete a permit application to work within the public right-of-way with the RCKC.
RCKC Roadside Vegetation Management Policy
- Am I allowed to plant trees along the road?
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Trees do add beauty, color and character to our roadsides, but if they're too close to the road edge, they can be both hazardous and a potential liability for property owners, utilities and the Road Commission. RCKC has prepared a brochure that provides guidelines on the roadside planting of trees and shrubs, explaining what will not only meet requirements but also improve the likelihood of tree survival and reduced maintenance as the tree matures.
- Does RCKC remove dead animals from the road or side of the road?
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If a dead animal is causing a road hazard, or blocking the traveled portion of the road; RCKC crews will move the dead animal off the road and let nature take its course. Their crews will make an effort, if they find a tag or telephone number, to contact the owner of a domestic dead animal. They will not dispose of any dead animals.
- Why am I assessed for the Road Maintenance Assessment if I live on a private road?
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While you may reside on a private road that is not maintained by the Road Commission, as a Township resident, you frequently travel on the public roadways. As such, all residents with a buildable parcel are assessed for the Road Maintenance Assessment.