Why Aren't Streets Plowed?

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Story Published: Jan 18, 2008 at 6:32 PM MDT

Story Updated: Jan 22, 2008 at 9:05 AM MDT

By Abbey Gibb

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After hearing that, we wanted to see exactly what our state does do about these roads and why that ice pack never seems to go away. Channel 3 Eyewitness News reporter Abbey Gibb has been asking the tough questions and joins with what I hear is some tough answers.

Most counties around here have over a thousand miles to cover, meaning it takes at least 20 crew members in shifts of 10 hours a day, just to keep the roads clear. Let alone bear. And the crews feel there's only so much they can do.

Ken Saunders, Bingham Co. snow plower: "You can sand it, you can do almost everything but that ice is still there."

Ken Saunders has been stumped by this winter phenomenon for over 20 years. It seems the temps drop so fast so often, the ice forms a bond with the roads no one can break. What's worse, the blades they use are straight but most of the roads are curved.

David Babbitt, Bing. Co. Public Works Dept: "So no matter we leave two inches of snow."

So why do our city roads see snow pack so soon? It's a lot like shoveling a sidewalk.

Babbitt: "Start walking on it before you scrape it, it's a lot harder to clean."

And the same holds true for the highways.

Babbitt: "Snowflakes are coming down, wind turbulence behind the cars keeps the snow off."

And the ice doesn't have time to put up a fight. And even in the best conditions, the snow plowers themselves are fighting against the odds.

Saunders: "I was off the road three times yesterday."

And we the drivers can help too...by slowing down.

Bruce King, Idaho Transportation Department: "We don't mean slowing down from 65 to 55, but to 25 or 30."

The other suggestion from plowers, moving your garbage cans onto your sidewalk. So they get get that much closer to the ground.

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