News and Press Releases Monday, November 15, 2021

ADA COUNTY-- Winter weather will soon hit the Treasure Valley, and the Ada County Highway District is prepared for whatever the season brings.

This winter, ACHD will battle snow on the roads with 63 units, 44 of them mounted with snow plows. 153 team members will help manage winter operations, with contractors on-call for major winter events.

ACHD has the capacity to store 290,000 total gallons of magnesium chloride, 7,500 tons of rock salt, and 7,500 tons of a sand and salt mix.

The equipment and materials are managed by two facilities- one in Garden City, and one in west Boise- to reach all parts of Ada County.

"We are ready for whatever Mother Nature wants to throw at us," said Lloyd Carnegie, Maintenance Manager for the Ada County Highway District.

ACHD winter operations has several components to make sure everyone can travel safely.  

Road Priorities  

ACHD manages 5,246 lane miles across Ada County. When winter weather hits, roadways are prioritized as follows: 

• Priority 1: arterials, collectors, major intersections, overpasses, bridges, hospitals, fire stations, railroad crossings, school crossings, and streets with grades over six percent
• Priority 2: School bus routes and vulnerable populations 
• Priority 3: Residential streets including cul-de-sacs

Snow Removal Permits  

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. More information and the permit application is available on ACHD's website.

Storm Drains

As snow and rain move through, residents are reminded to do their part to keep storm drains clear. When drains are blocked by ice or debris, water can pool and freeze, creating icy spots on sidewalks, in driveways and in the roadway. 

ACHD's storm drain map can help residents find their nearest storm drain. If a storm drain is blocked by debris or ice, neighbors should clear it to allow water to move through. Residents should not try to remove the grates.

Winter Reminders  

Drivers are reminded not to pass snowplows on the right-hand side and to give them plenty of room to complete their operations.  

Before expected weather, drivers should move cars off of the street wherever possible. This allows snowplows better access to the street and keeps cars from becoming buried in snow.

As a reminder, sidewalks are the responsibility of the adjacent homeowner or business. Alleyways are also not included in snow removal operations. 

Those who live in cul-de-sacs should also be aware that ACHD will gather snow in the middle of the cul-de-sac, but will not remove the snow.