ACHD

We Are Snowbound! Boise Assists ACHD

UPDATE FRIDAY 1/6/17

Despite near record low temps, we awoke to mostly cleared streets that are at least passable now. Kudos to all those who made it happen.

ORIGINAL POST

We can certainly sympathize with the officials and snow removal workers at the Ada County Highway District.

Not only are the streets clogged with snow to the point most passenger cars simply cannot negotiate the unplowed residential streets, forecasts of above freezing temps and even rain are setting the stage for a slushy disaster.

We did a limited tour of the Boise Bench and saw lots of folks shoveling driveways, but once they get on the street, it is impossible to move.

Some sort of “NEIGHBORHOOD FOUR-WHEEL UBER” service is probably in order. With their expertise in the ride share program, perhaps ACHD would be a logical clearing house for volunteers willing to offer their traction services to those in need.

This residential street on the Boise Bench has a nice rut created by the trash truck with views coming and going.

A common adversity has a way of uniting people and we were pleased to see Boise officials lending a hand to ACHD clearing some streets–especially in the downtown area.

“The city of Boise is marshaling equipment and resources to clear snow from key streets, sidewalks and drainage infrastructure in downtown Boise, essential transit routes and residential areas across the city,” said a statement, issued by Boise officials Thursday afternoon.

“ACHD’s efforts are unable to keep up with such a significant weather event, so the city of Boise is doing all it can to assist,” said Boise Mayor Dave Bieter in the statement. “It is essential that we get our roads and sidewalks clear as soon as possible so that people can get to and from work, school and the grocery store.”

As a result, the city is partnering with the Capital City Development Corporation to provide free parking Thursday and Friday at the six downtown parking garages, in an effort to keep parked vehicles from snow-clogged city streets, giving snowplows a clearer shot.

Additionally, city officials are redirecting vehicles from a number of city departments –mostly public works and parks– to help remove snow from sidewalks along major arterials. Boise’s snow removal equipment at the airport has been working non-stop to maintain runways and corridors at and around the airport.

The impact of next week’s warmer and rainy weather may pose drainage challenges that could only be alleviated with this week’s ongoing joint snow removal effort.

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