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Commissioners flag UTV damage on remote roads, request workshop with Forest Service and ITD on LRI roads
Summary
Roads staff reported UTV traffic and side-by-side use is damaging backcountry LRI roads; staff asked for a workshop with the U.S. Forest Service and Idaho Transportation Department to discuss maintenance priorities and funding, and flagged a $100,000 LTAC grant for West Roseberry repairs.
Valley County road and bridge staff told commissioners on Sept. 24 that high use by utility terrain vehicles and side‑by‑sides is causing rapid deterioration on remote low‑volume (LRI) roads and that current maintenance cycles are insufficient.
Interim road director John McFadden said crews inspected LRI roads this year and noted that some backcountry roads require more frequent maintenance than the county’s funding and operational approach allows. He asked for a workshop with the U.S. Forest Service and the Idaho Transportation Department to discuss whether remote roads should receive different maintenance strategies or supplemental funding.
Staff said UTVs’ low‑pressure tires and locked rear axles produce damage that outpaces annual maintenance; staff warned that bringing back severely damaged roads may cost more than available LRI allocations and that contracting work could exceed program funding. Road staff also reported a $100,000 LTAC grant for utility crossing repairs on West Roseberry; Granite is performing patching under that grant, which reimburses the county after the work is completed.
Commissioners asked staff to add the issue to a future agenda, invite Forest Service and ITD representatives, and evaluate mitigation and funding options.
