ADA COUNTY- November marks the beginning of winter operations at the Ada County Highway District, and maintenance crews are prepared for the arrival of winter weather.
ACHD crews have spent the past several months preparing for the season, including training, checking equipment, and familiarizing themselves with their routes.
This winter, crews will battle the snow with 63 units, 44 of them mounted with snow plows. 137 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.
"Getting ready for winter starts well before the snow falls," said ACHD Commission President Mary May. "With the work our team has already done to prepare, I am confident that they are ready to handle whatever this season may bring."
ACHD winter operations include several components to make sure everyone can travel safely:
Road Priorities
ACHD manages more than 5,300 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, including 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
As ACHD prepares to keep the roadways safe, residents can also do their part to make winter travel easier:
- Before expected weather, drivers should move cars off the street wherever possible. This allows snowplows better access to the street and keeps cars from becoming buried in snow.
- 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.
- On the road, drivers should never pass snowplows on the right-hand side of the plow and give them plenty of room to complete their operations.