When do city plows hit the streets? Idaho Falls Public Works has the answers

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)- How soon do plows hit the streets after a snow event is declared in Idaho Falls? Idaho Falls Public Works says shortly after the event is declared.

"As soon as we hit that point of two inches or more, we put all the press releases together, get everything put together as our crews are working on our priority ones and twos, and then we go straight into the residential areas with all our crews and get those vehicles moved off the road," Idaho Falls Public Works superintendent Brian Cardon said.

Crews have been working since the start of last weekend when a snowstorm Saturday triggered the event.

"They've been working nonstop since Saturday night getting these roads cleared and are getting ready to move on to the next area," Idaho Falls Public Information Office Eric Grossarth said.

The key for residents in the city is to make sure they have moved their cars from off the streets before crews get to work.

"We do have parking restrictions in place. Also sign up for those alerts so that, you know, when we're coming through your area, and can get those cars moved," Grossarth said.

"There's not very, very many roads that are car-free. And so when we come across, those operators are fairly happy. It makes their job easier and quicker to do so we can get all the streets plowed," Cardon said.

The consequences can be costly if your car is still on the road.

"In our B zones, we, we plow the snow up around the car in our zones, we relocate those cars to either the north, south or the east, where I suppose the ones that are opposite, the ones that we are currently plowing," Cardon said.

City streets are plowed in terms of lane miles. In other words how many lanes a street has in one mile, for example, 17th Street in Idaho Falls is five lane miles.

"We have to plow all five of those lane miles. So you get into some of those situations, it takes more equipment to do that to make sure that we're getting it done efficiently. As you get into some of the residential areas, you're looking at two-lane miles for each mile down the center line," Cardon said.

Cardon also says the crew's work day actually goes by fairly quickly.

"As you're operating the equipment, there's definitely a lot to pay attention to. What what the plows do and what obstacles are around curves, vehicles that are left on the road, And so you're definitely on your toes all day long," Cardon said.

Once a snow event is issued it usually takes the city 72 hours to plow the streets, but it may be longer depending on the amount of snow that accumulates.