Macomb County partners with Collins Elementary School and Utica Community Schools to paint the plow

MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Salt is stocked, equipment is ready, road professionals are on standby, and the Macomb County Department of Roads (MCDR) recently unveiled a freshly painted snowplow that will hit the roads this winter.

This year, MCDR partnered with Collins Elementary School and Utica Community Schools to paint one of the department’s snowplows ahead of the winter season. Sixth grade art students from Collins Elementary School submitted designs to paint the plow in the fall. 24 students submitted artwork and the winning design was voted on by Macomb County and MCDR staff.

“The team at the Department of Roads works tirelessly to keep the roads as safe as possible during winter weather operations and we value the high level of public service the Department of Roads provides,” said Macomb County Executive Mark A. Hackel. “Thanks to the work of students at Collins Elementary School, one of our snowplows will be hitting the roads in style. We appreciate all of the students and staff for decorating our snowplow with artwork for the entire community to enjoy.”

The winning design was unveiled today by Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, MCDR director Bryan Santo, Utica Community Schools superintendent Robert Monroe, art teacher Jennifer Lehrer, and sixth grade students from Collins Elementary School.

“Our team is impressed by the creativity and talent of the students at Collins Elementary School and our road crews look forward to putting the plow to work,” said MCDR Director Bryan Santo. “The paint the plow program serves as a friendly reminder to the motoring public to stay safe and steer clear of the plows during winter weather operations.”

MCDR has more than 100 snowplows, salt trucks and graders in its fleet and more than 100 maintenance employees that are dedicated to keeping the roads clear of ice and snow.

This is the second plow to be painted as part of MCDR’s paint the plow program. Previously, MCDR partnered with Switzer Elementary School to paint one of the department’s snowplows, which is still in service today. Macomb County residents can look for the decorated plows this winter, which serve as a valuable reminder of the work MCDR professionals do to maintain a safe and drivable road system for all road users.

“We appreciate this partnership with the Macomb County Department of Roads. Our elementary art teachers create a strong foundation that inspires students. This project enhances this goal in a way that engages students in a creative and fun way to instill that life-long love of art. I also want to congratulate Mrs. Lehrer, Peyton, and the Collins sixth graders for their work,” said Utica Community Schools superintendent Robert Monroe. “Snowplows are usually frowned upon by our students on days when there is potential for school to be called off due to inclement weather. It’s nice that our students have given this snowplow some love by putting it out there in a positive way with something that will put a smile on the face of commuters.”

Schools and teachers that are interested in participating in MCDR’s annual paint the plow program can contact the Department of Roads at 586-463-8671 or geninfo@rcmcweb.org for additional information.

Video and photos of the snowplow painted this year by Collins Elementary School students are available online.