Miss Dig

Miss Dig & Underground Safety

Always call Miss Dig 811 before you dig.

Planning a project that involves digging in your yard? Make sure to stay safe by finding out where underground utility lines are first. Hitting a line can knock out important services—not just for your home, but for your neighbors too. It’s easy to avoid the risk: just contact MISS DIG 811 online or call 811 at least three business days before you dig. It’s free, simple, and helps keep everyone safe!

Overhead Line Safety

Overhead Utility Line Safety

Always look up and be aware of overhead utility lines.

Always be cautious around overhead utility lines, whether you’re at home or on the job. Coming into contact with these high-voltage lines can cause serious injuries or even be fatal. Keep ladders, tools, and equipment at a safe distance, and never touch or go near a downed line—always assume it’s live. Staying alert and aware helps keep you and those around you safe.

Overhead Utility Line Safety Video

Click the image below to learn more:

Roadside Safety

Michigan’s Move Over Law

Michigan’s Move Over law requires motorists to slow down and move over for stationary authorized vehicles with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights activated.

When approaching a stationary authorized vehicle with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights activated, carefully slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit and fully move over into an open lane. If this is not possible due to traffic, weather, or road conditions, slow down to at least 10 mph below the posted speed limit, and pass with caution, allowing the authorized vehicle as much space as possible.

The law applies to these authorized emergency vehicles:

Police
Fire
Rescue
Ambulance
Road service

Road service vehicles include tow trucks and safety service vehicles operated by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

The Move Over law also applies to these other authorized vehicles with flashing, rotating, or oscillating lights activated: solid waste haulers, utility service vehicles, and road maintenance vehicles.

Penalties

A motorist violating the Move Over law for authorized emergency vehicles is responsible for a civil infraction and is subject to two points on their driver’s license and a fine of $400.

A motorist faces felony charges and enhanced penalties of up to 15 years in prison and/or a $7,500 fine if the violation causes death to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel. For injury to a police officer, firefighter, or other emergency response personnel, the motorist is guilty of a felony, and the penalty is up to 2 years in prison and/or a $1,000 fine.

Violation of the Move Over law for other authorized vehicles is punishable as a 90-day misdemeanor.

Michigan State Police – Move Over Safety Website

Community Advisory: Roadside Utility Work Ongoing Through Summer – Drive Safe and Stay Alert

The Marquette Board of Light & Power would like to inform all community members and visitors that utility work will be taking place along various roadsides throughout the summer months. Crews will be working to upgrade and maintain critical infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable service for all residents. Crews will also be working on behalf of the MBLP on an extended project to increase the reliability and resiliency of our system. The construction of this project will be taking place along the roadside of CR 480, M-553 (S. McClelland Ave), & Division St throughout the summer.

To protect both workers and drivers, we are asking the public to remain vigilant when approaching work zones. Please slow down, move over when possible, and avoid distractions while driving near utility crews.

“Summer is a busy time for infrastructure improvements, and we want to make sure our workers return home safely each day,” said Tim Kopacz, Director of Distribution. “We’re asking drivers to do their part by staying alert, putting away their phones, and showing patience and caution around roadside work areas.”

Work may be taking place during both daytime and evening hours, and while every effort will be made to minimize disruptions, temporary lane closures or reduced speeds may be necessary in certain areas.