ADA COUNTY — The Ada County Highway District Commission unanimously approved updates to ACHD policy related to traffic control devices during its meeting on Wednesday.
The changes approved through Ordinance 257 include updates to ACHD policy related to traffic control devices, as well as other changes to Section 6000 of District policy. The changes will take effect on June 27.
One of the major updates addresses how traffic control companies are held responsible for meeting ACHD requirements. Traffic control companies are typically hired as subcontractors by general contractors performing roadwork. Under the previous policy, ACHD could only work through the general contractor when traffic control requirements were not met.
With the approved changes, ACHD will now be able to directly require traffic control companies to comply with ACHD standards and issue fines directly to those companies when violations occur. The update is intended to improve compliance and ensure traffic control devices are placed, maintained, and removed correctly.
Examples of violations include traffic control devices being placed incorrectly or left in place after work has concluded. In most cases, traffic control devices will be required to be removed within 48 hours after construction or maintenance activities are complete.
Signage left in the public right of way after work has concluded can create confusion for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, and can reduce the overall effectiveness of traffic control devices. Leftover signage may also create accessibility issues, particularly when signs are left on sidewalks or in bike lanes after they’ve reopened.
“These policy updates will help ensure traffic control devices are used as intended and removed when they are no longer needed,” said Miranda Gold, ACHD Commission President. “Too often, we see signage out of place on Ada County roadways. This change will allow us to hold traffic control companies accountable and improve the effectiveness of the signage that helps keep everyone safe.”
Other updates to Section 6000 as part of Ordinance 257 include adding references to the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) and adding a new section for Special Event Permits.
The approved updates are part of ACHD’s broader effort to review and modernize policies across the agency. In March, the ACHD Commission approved policy updates for other sections of the agency’s policy. Ordinance 257 was adopted following a public comment period.
