BOISE, Idaho — With the first taste of widespread snowfall, road conditions in many places in southwest Idaho are being impacted by the winter weather. Road conditions are wet, slushy, or full of snow – making roadways harder to navigate.
When it comes to the Treasure Valley, the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) has many different materials it uses to fight the snow and help better the road conditions.
"There are certain materials we use, like magnesium chloride, ahead of a storm that's used as anti-icing to help prevent the bond of the ice from forming to the pavement," said Jennifer Berenger, the deputy director of maintenance for ACHD. “After the snow has fallen, you start using the more-granular sodium chloride salt, and then you have the sand that you use for additional traction, especially in those areas where people are going to be stopping like intersections."
Snowplows are also used to clear up the road, but the agency said there is a priority system when determining what roads in Ada County get treated first.
"When the snow is actively falling, our priority is on those priority one corridors,” Berenger said. “So, primarily your arterials, collectors and the main roadways to get people to and from areas around hospitals – and the hill areas – 6% grade or more."
ACHD said once it has completed those roads, they move on to the roads that see less traffic. This is why some people may not see snowplows in residential areas in the county, ACHD added.
The National Weather Service in Boise said it observed 1.5 inches of snow at its office early Friday morning, and a second storm between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. quickly added to that total.
The Ada County Sheriff's Office reported 59 traffic crashes and 22 slide-offs between midnight and 11 a.m. Friday.
As a reminder, make sure to continue to take precautions when driving in the winter conditions. If you want updates on road conditions, any delays or live cameras to help plan your route, visit 511.idaho.gov.
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