Highway department says snow response improved, announces radar speed signs and IDOT commitment for Hunter Road

Boone County highway staff briefed the Administration Committee Thursday on a recent major snow event, grant activity and traffic‑safety equipment. The department said three of five drivers had never previously plowed a county route and that one truck was out of service, but overall response "actually went pretty well" and staff expect improved performance on future events.

The highway director reiterated county policy on mailboxes: owners are responsible for replacing mailboxes damaged by snow or sleet release from the plow blade; the county replaces mailboxes when struck directly by a plow blade or vehicle. He asked the public to continue reporting incidents and noted the policy has been in place for some time.

Staff said they have three grant applications pending for Poplar Grove Road; if awarded, work on that road could be pushed back a year because of grant paperwork and scheduling. The department also reported construction has begun on a cold‑storage building whose roof trusses are designed to support future solar panels.

On a separate agreement, Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has agreed to provide roughly $300,000 to the county for improvements on Hunter Road as part of a detour arrangement when Route 173 undergoes construction in 2029–2030; the county remains responsible for maintenance and any detour‑related damage beyond that contribution.

Staff said 15 solar‑powered radar speed signs have arrived and will be installed soon; under the terms of the grant, placements must be reported for 18 months before the county may redistribute them. The low bidder has agreed to hold a price for Boone County for 12 months and the county cost per unit was given as about $3,500, which includes the solar panel and radar unit and data‑logging features.

Board members asked whether neighborhoods such as Candlewick could receive a sign; staff replied grant obligations set initial placement but the county would review reallocation after the reporting period. Members also discussed using the county's low bid to procure additional signs locally.

The committee thanked staff for the update.