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NEGAUNEE -- Check out the map and colors here. 

Clearing and salting our highways during snowstorms will still be a number one priority for MDOT this season, but it's what happens after the storm that's changed.

"MDOT has a new revised winter level of service map,” explained James Lakes, MDOT’s communications representative.  “It designates all state highways and state trunk lines as either orange or blue routes.  Orange routes; we will keep our plows on as long as it takes to get the pavement clear.  Blue routes; we're not going to authorize any overtime to clear those."

MDOT created this plan as a result of going over its $18 million winter maintenance budget for the Upper Peninsula last year by $4 million.

"We're not cutting our maintenance budget,” Lakes said.  “It's the same as last year, but costs continue to rise significantly.  Salt costs have risen more than 25 percent since last year.  Fuel costs are higher than last year, and labor costs continue to rise."

Orange routes will include portions of US-41, US-2, M-28, M-35, M-95, M-117, and I-75 due to their high traffic volumes, while all other state highways, the Blue routes, won't.  So what does this mean for drivers?

"People have to adjust their driving habits accordingly to the road conditions,” said Sgt. Robert Pernaski.  “You must slow down as road conditions dictate."

Those with questions about the new winter level of service can contact MDOT at (906) 786-1800.

Check out the map and colors here.