Most of us can't put our lives on hold when it snows. That's why the Idaho Transportation Department strives to make winter travel as safe as possible. Although many drivers have watched snowplows clear the roads, there are some important facts you should know about snow removal. During the year, more than 400 ITD maintenance personnel prepare for the snow season by stockpiling necessary supplies. In the fall, the same trucks that have been used during the summer for stockpiling, patching and other maintenance operations are equipped with snowplows.
Employees also receive training to operate new equipment.
Availability of manpower and equipment resources ITD applies magnesium chloride to roads in many areas before a storm arrives. Once the anti-icing work is completed, ITD responds to winter storms as they occur and attempts to clear all roads as the snow begins to fall. However, in situations where a storm covers a large area, resources can be stretched beyond available limits. In these situations a system of priorities is followed to provide the best service. Interstates and roads that have the highest volume of traffic are cleared first.