Keeping roadways clear in Shoshone County

With a cold spell and winter weather in the works, public works director Jessica Stutzke of the Shoshone County Public Works Department issued some helpful guidelines to make sure access is possible for the department to keep roadways clear during snowstorms.

Shoshone County roadways are not maintained 24 hours a day. Crews work primarily Monday through Friday and bring in staff for snowfalls over 4-6 inches of snow in most areas and at the direction of the district supervisor or the public works director, depending on available resources. 

Public works stresses they have a small staff compared to the mileage and vast area that are maintained.

In total, the county’s road department maintains approximately 365 miles of county roads, and priorities are given to EMS/fire and school bus routes. After those routes are plowed, road crews make their way into residential neighborhoods and outlying areas. 

Public works staff are asking for the public's assistance in keeping the roads clear by:

• Don’t park on or near the side of the road or in snowplow turn-around areas.

• Removing any vehicles, trailers, and other items from the county road right-of-way.

• Don’t push, plow, shovel, or use a snowblower to throw snow onto or across roadways. Not only is this dangerous, it’s a violation of Idaho law code section 18-3907.

• Do not push or place snow in a manner that affects water flow in a ditch line, blocking culverts, or plowing snow into the ditch. 

• Visibility during storms is reduced. Please be aware of plows and keep your distance.

Loose snow will be removed from the road surface and road rights-of-way, causing driveways to receive snow from snow removal equipment. 

Berms are an unavoidable byproduct of plowing snow. Clearing berms across driveway entrances is the responsibility of the property owner, and clearing berms around mailboxes is the responsibility of the person the mailbox is assigned to.

Road crews will sand and de-ice as weather permits. Sanding material and deicer are primarily used on hills, sharp curves and intersections. Sometimes we will need to wait for the snow to slow down in order for the sanding material to be effective. 

It’s important, especially at this time of year, to equip your vehicle with good traction tires, keep a full gas tank, and pack emergency supplies such as blankets, water, and extra food in the event you become stranded. 

Remember to check the weather forecast and keep an eye out for winter weather advisories. Let someone know your plans prior to departing and please slow down and drive according to the road conditions. 

“All of our employees have your safety in mind while performing their jobs, so please give them time and room to work. If we all work together, we can get where we are going and arrive home safely,” Stutzke said.