1/11/2024
Sophia Miraglio
ITD Communication
208-994-2298
sophia.miraglio@itd.idaho.gov
Fourth plow struck, drivers encouraged to stay home ahead of new storm moving towards Southwest Idaho
BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department wants to remind drivers to stay vigilant while driving in snowy conditions and to keep their eyes on the road in case there is a crash or hazard affecting traffic patterns.
On Wednesday, one of ITD's snowplows was clearing shoulders on I-84 near Blacks Creek Rest Area south of Boise. A crash ahead was forcing traffic to merge. As the plow operator continued to clear snow along the shoulder, a semitruck attempting to merge into the lane hit the corner of the plow. Fortunately, there were no injuries to either party and damage to the plow was minimal. This marks the fourth plow strike statewide for the department this winter.
The National Weather Service is forecasting heavy snow, high winds and blizzard-like conditions throughout Southwest Idaho beginning Thursday night into Saturday. Wind gusts up to 60 mph are predicted across South-Central Idaho and are expected to create blizzard conditions and reduced visibility on the roads. Drivers are encouraged to time their travel around the storm or stay home when possible to make it easier for plows to clear roads.
ITD maintenance crews are on 12-hour shift rotations, ensuring there will be plows on Idaho's highways around the clock. In total, there are approximately 86 snowplows working the highways throughout Southwest Idaho.
