Paved and Gravel Roads:

• There are 36 miles of gravel roads in the township. The only paved roads which run North and South are Hoover Avenue and Rodgers Road. Townline Lake Road is the only paved road which runs East and West. The above roads plus a portion of the Springwood Lake and Dodge Lake sub divisions are maintained by the Clare County Road Commission. The majority of roads in the Dodge Lake sub-division are contracted for maintenance and funded by an annual assessment.

Road Improvements:

• In prior years, the County Road Commission funded improvement projects at 50%. State funding to the County Road Commission has been reduced. Typical projects are tree removal, ditching and re-gravel with six inches of compacted gravel. The average cost of one mile of re-gravel is $26,000. Residents wishing to discuss road conditions should contact the Township Supervisor, see directory for contact information.

To monitor the roads to identify needed areas of improvement

Brining of Gravel Roads:

In previous years, the Township Board contracted Michigan Chloride Corporation to spread a mixture of heavy calcium chloride. Once applied, vehicles packed the surface which kept dust from blowing. A rain shower would benefit the packing process. The approximate cost is $13,000 for each applications. 

• The Township Board passed a Resolution to place a millage vote for road maintenance and improvement, on the August 2, 2022 Primary Ballot, to raise funds for brining and other road projects. Residents voted to approve the 3 year millage with the first funds collected on 2023 Winter taxes.  The first brine application of 2024 will be May 9, 2024.

Dodge Lake Private Road Maintenance:

Dodge Private Roads Committee members (2022 – 2023):                   

• The County Road Commission maintains the paved roads in Dodge Lake plus Swallow Street and the roads south of Swallow. All other roads are considered private roads and are maintained under contract. Keysor Excavating has performed the maintenance on the Dodge private roads since 2010. The contract covers grading, snow plowing, brining and extra gravel. The contract covers a set number of applications plus a charge for extras. Brining is applied prior to Memorial Day and also in August. Annually in July, a Dodge Private Roads meeting is held.  Dodge Lake residents are encouraged to attend to discuss maintenance issues, assessment amounts and appoint individuals to act as contacts for the maintenance.

• Following are improvements of the past: