Winter Street Service What happens when it snows?
ACHD has many tools at its disposal for snow operations, such as plowing, Magnesium Chloride (anti-icing), sand and salt (deicing).
ACHD monitors the weather and road conditions and utilizes these tools on the premise of the right material, at the right time, at the right amount.
For a more indepth look into the anti-icing, and sanding and salting materials we use:
More On Anti-Icing
Why a Priority System?
Even with a large fleet of vehicles, a road inventory of over 5,300 lane miles and 4,400 cul-de-sacs, the District must use a priority system to ensure that the most-used or most-critical roads get first attention.
Although residential streets are important, they have lower speeds and lower traffic volumes. Given the amount of personnel and equipment available, ACHD must focus its response to yield the biggest benefit. Generally, the snow will melt off by the time District crews could practically get onto neighborhood streets.
Priority Roadways
- Arterial and collector roads
- Major intersections
- Overpasses and bridges
- Areas around hospitals and fire stations
- School and railroad crossings
- Streets with grades over 6 percent
The Ada County Highway District is allowing contractors and citizens to obtain a no-charge Temporary Use Right-of-Way Permit to remove snow and ice. Since residential roads are considered Priority 3, the permits allow Homeowners Associations to hire contractors to plow the neighborhood roads, meaning neighborhoods can be cleared of snow faster. Follow this link for more information, and the permit application.
Sidewalks and Parking Lots
When it snows residents have a job too. Keeping the
sidewalk in front of your home or business clear of
snow and ice is required by local and state codes. For
additional information about local and state codes, read
"Putting Snow in its Place".
Not shoveling leaves, snow or other debris into the roadway and making sure storm drains are clear is another way
to help.
