Vandals damage road signs

BONNERS FERRY — A recent string of vandalism of road signs could be putting drivers in danger. After the last four weekends, Boundary County Road and Bridge has received reports of the stop signs and railroad reflective signs being removed from Snyder Crossing. The same signs have been removed from the Blume Hill railroad crossing.

“Both crossing are very dangerous,” said Jeff Gutshall, Boundary County Road and Bridge superintendent. “There is no sight distance. It creates a dangerous situation.”

Sometimes the signs have been taken but most are vandalized and thrown in the ditch said Gutshall.

At the Snyder railroad crossing, the signs have been taken down and put on the tracks for the trains to run over.

Signs have also been vandalized along Old Highway 2.

Replacing the signs, which cost $80 to $100 each, takes employees away from other duties, such as grading roads explained Gutshall. Depending on the extent of vandalism, replacing signs can take an entire day. The signs are replaced as soon as possible after they are discovered missing.

Anyone with information on the vandalism is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 267-3151. To report a missing road sign, contact Road and Bridge at 267-3838.