ITD's Operation Clean Sweep set for April 23-24

ATHOL — The Idaho Transportation Department is inviting people to join a two-day litter cleanup effort along one of North Idaho’s busiest corridors. 

Operation Clean Sweep, set for April 23 and 24, will cover the U.S. 95 corridor from Granite Hill to Interstate 90, said a press release from ITD.

The event aims to remove trash and debris from the roadside as snow melts and winter’s impact becomes visible. 

“Every year our work crews come together to tackle this large-scale cleanup initiative, and we thought it would be a great opportunity to let the public get involved — to work alongside the hardworking men and women of ITD and make a real, visible difference,” said Trent Bridges, one of ITD’s operations supervisors.

Volunteers aged 16 and older are encouraged to participate and must register online ahead of the event.

Each morning, participants will check in between 7 and 9 a.m. at ITD’s Athol shed at 6303 E. Parks Road to receive safety gear, a brief orientation and crew assignments. Work crews will be stationed along sections of U.S. 95, and there is no requirement for volunteers to stay for any specific amount of time. 

Cleanup will conclude each day by 4 p.m.

ITD will provide safety vests, trash collection bags and safety instructions. Volunteers are encouraged to dress appropriately for the weather and bring gloves and water.