ADA COUNTY — The Ada County Highway District is gearing up for the incoming snowstorm, which is expected to bring several inches of snow to the area.
ACHD will proactively deploy on-call crew members at midnight to begin pretreating the roadways as surface temperatures allow. Day shift crews will report at their normal 7 a.m. start time on Thursday to continue pretreatment and begin plowing as the storm moves in and through the evening rush hour commute.
During the early morning hours, crews plan to pretreat the roadways with liquid magnesium chloride. Unlike sand or salt, which are used for de-icing, liquid magnesium chloride is an anti-icing agent that helps prevent snow and ice from bonding to the road surface.
Pretreatment is most effective when road surface temperatures are at or above 15 degrees. ACHD crews will be continuously monitoring road and air temperatures into the early morning hours to ensure temperatures are conducive to pretreatment.
While ACHD prepares the roads, the District reminds all residents that safety is a shared responsibility. ACHD urges all motorists to exercise caution during winter weather conditions.
Here are some key safety tips:
- Give Plows Space – Plow drivers have limited visibility, and roads are often clearer behind them than ahead.
- Reduce Speed – Snow and ice create hazardous conditions. Motorists should slow down, increase following distances, and brake gently to avoid skidding.
- Stay Alert – Drivers should be on the lookout for sudden changes in road conditions, especially when the weather changes quickly.
- Be Prepared – Vehicles should be winter-ready with proper tires, full wiper fluid, and emergency supplies before heading out on the road.
- Consider Staying Home – For drivers who are not comfortable driving in snow, the safest option is to avoid travel until roads are clear.
ACHD appreciates the public’s cooperation as crews work to keep roads as safe as possible. ACHD will post real-time updates on pretreatment and snow response operations on its social media accounts. Residents can follow ACHD on social media at @achdidaho.
