ADA COUNTY, Idaho — With more snow and icy conditions forecast for Friday, the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) is now operating in full force to keep county roadways safe for commuters.
Thursday afternoon, ACHD announced their crews were shifting to 24-hour snow operations.
ACHD crews will work on alternating 12-hour shifts over the next several days. The District has also activated multiple on-call contractors to assist them.
“Our crews are ready and excited to tackle the repeating rounds of snow we are expecting to see,” said Jennifer Berenger, Deputy Director of Maintenance. “Even when there is a break in the snow, our crews will still be working to clear the roadways before the next storm moves in.”
ACHD says that while we've seen a calm winter so far, the district has spent the past several months preparing for the season, including training, checking equipment, and familiarizing themselves with their routes.
67 units, 43 of them mounted with snowplows, will combat the coming snow. In addition are 156 team members at helping to manage winter operations.
ACHD reminds that drivers can help plow drivers by keeping their distance, keeping at least 30 feet of space behind the plow.
Drivers should never pass snowplows on the right-hand side of the plow.
Related: Keep your eyes on the road. ITD says 3 snowplows have been hit by drivers this winter
“Crews at ACHD continue to work diligently to treat roadways and keep traffic moving safely,” said ACHD Maintenance Manager Lloyd Carnegie. “That said, we want to remind commuters that winter operations in Idaho is a team effort.”
ACHD uses a priority system for the over 5,300 lane miles across Ada County. When winter weather arrives, roadways are prioritizedas 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
As residential streets and neighborhoods are the lowest priority, ACHD offers no-cost permitswhich allows Homeowners Associations to hire contractors to plow the neighborhood roads.
ACHD reminds drivers to travel safely by following these winter driving tips:
Driving Safely in Winter Conditions:
- Plan for a slower commute and leave plenty of time to get to your destination safely.
- Move slowly and account for additional stopping distance when following other vehicles.
- Before heading out, ensure your vehicle is in good working order. Check the tread depth on tires, test windshield wipers and fluid, and ensure all lights are in good working order.
- Clear the entire windshield, hood, top of the vehicle, headlights and taillights of snow and ice before driving.
- Drive with headlights on for higher visibility.
- Avoid distractions and stay alert to fellow commuters, pedestrians, and bicyclists.
- Know when not to drive. If you're uncomfortable driving in winter conditions, stay off the roads.
- Keep an eye on weather alerts and avoid travel when conditions are hazardous.
