SANDPOINT — In its monthly update to Bonner County commissioners, the Road and Bridge Department discussed winter maintenance challenges and the Melody Lane culvert project.  

Road and Bridge Director Jason Topp presented the update, reporting that several plow trucks had been tipped onto their sides while clearing snow. Topp said the incidents were a byproduct of drivers not utilizing tire chains. Over the weekend, two trucks slid on ice, with one landing in a ditch and the other tipping over. Topp added that one of the same drivers was later involved in another rollover, which was partially attributed to speed. 

“We pay everyone hourly; they can get out and chain their trucks up. Are they going in the ditch with chains, possibly. You’re going to go in the ditch when you’re plowing at some point — it’s going to happen. We try and limit that, but it will happen over time,” Topp said.  

Topp said the department has had ongoing safety discussions but noted that staffing shortages and the county’s extensive road network have led some operators to feel pressure to move faster in order to complete all routes. 

“Everybody feels that they need to be moving a little faster to cover that during the day,” Topp said. “We will get to those routes when we get to them, there’s no reason to get somebody hurt.” 

The trucks are predicted to be back in operation shortly, Topp reported.  

Topp also provided an update on the Melody Lane culvert project, which is expected to begin in summer 2026. The project will replace an existing box culvert that Topp described as old and undersized. 

The project will be contracted out, as the replacement culvert sections each weigh approximately 26,000 pounds and will require a crane for installation.