Date:
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Contact:
Trooper Richard Magnussen (509) 665-4017 (Wenatchee)
Chris Christopher, WSDOT Co-director, Maintenance and Operations, (360) 705-7850 (Olympia)
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080 (Olympia)
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications, (509) 577-5617 (Yakima)
OLYMPIA – While the Pacific Northwest continues to enjoy near-perfect fall weather, headlines from the East Coast serve as the first warning: winter is coming.
WSDOT and the Washington State Patrol are ready and encourage drivers to be ready, too.
The WSP Commercial Vehicle Division (CVD) has begun educating commercial vehicle drivers on the ‘chains onboard’ requirement and WSP troopers will strictly enforce a Nov. 1 deadline. Failing to carry chains will cost drivers $155 while failing to chain up when required will carry a $500 penalty.
The WSP reminds drivers Washington law requires commercial vehicles and combinations of vehicles more than 10,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) to carry sufficient tire chains between Nov. 1 and April 1. This time of year also means activation of WSDOT’s mountain pass report line and Web site. Pass reports throughout the state begin Nov. 1.
Chris Christopher, WSDOT Co-Director, Maintenance and Operations, also reminds drivers studded tires are only legal for use between Nov. 1 and April 1. Motorists are encouraged to visit their tire dealers for chains and find out about other tires that provide traction and are legal for use year-round.
“Every year, we spend time and resources dealing with commercial vehicle drivers that get stuck in the snow and ice because they don’t have chains or just failed to chain up,” said Sgt. Kevin Overbay, WSP CVD.
The majority of traffic incidents occur just west of Snoqualmie Summit, Overbay noted. A single spinout or truck jackknife can bring all traffic to a halt.
WSDOT personnel are working to make sure all drivers on mountain pass highways reach their destination safely.
“These winter pass highways are crucial transportation arteries carrying passengers and freight across Washington,” said Christopher. “We have a new action plan this winter to keep our highways safe and open for travel.”
New strategies on I-90 Snoqualmie and US 2 Stevens passes activate when weather forecasts call for six or more inches of snow in a 12-hour period.
Traffic Flow Management (TFM) regulates the number of vehicles per hour attempting to cross the pass, allowing WSDOT plows to maintain a minimum speed (of 35 mph) and enough force to move the snow off the roadway. Crews from west of the pass will set up TFM on I-90 at milepost 34, just outside King County. Roads may be snow and ice-free at this location.
“We reduce the traffic volume in a flat area, where there may be no snow, so when the drivers hit the winter conditions, the roads will be ready and the drivers will be ready,” Christopher said.
Chain Installation Service: In 2006, the State Legislature authorized WSDOT to issue permits allowing businesses and individuals to install and remove motorist-owned tire chains.
WSDOT has installed signs along I-90 and US 2 highlighting chain-up services. Prices for this service will range from $5-$25. It’s important to remember, chain installers cannot sell tire chains.
Those interested in applying for a chain installers’ permit are invited to an orientation meeting Wednesday, Oct. 18 at 9:30 a.m. at the WSDOT Bullfrog Maintenance Facility, 151 Bullfrog Rd South in Cle Elum.
Active Resource Management: “We transfer snowplows, operators, and incident response vehicles to I-90,” Christopher said. “Shifting resources from nearby maintenance crews significantly increases the equipment and people helping to keep the pass open.” Crews from Seattle to Pasco expand their coverage area to strengthen the WSDOT snow removal and deicing efforts.
Traffic Flow Management (TFM) and the call for chain installers are two strategies modeled after similar successful programs in California and others states.
For more information on WSP chain requirements, WSDOT’s winter programs, car emergency kits and ways to prepare your vehicle for winter, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter.
WSDOT is also offering traffic and travel information on your cell phone or PDA. Drivers will now be able to access the popular Seattle area traffic flow map, ferry schedules, mountain pass reports, and current travel times from their PDAs or cell phones by logging on to www.wsdot.wa.gov/small/
EDITOR’S NOTE: WSDOT will be hosting its annual Hyak/Snoqualmie Pass media tour and a community forum Nov. 14. Please contact Alice Fiman (360) 705-7080 (Olympia) or Mike Westbay (509) 577-5617 (Yakima) for more information and to RSVP.
###
Drivers can now get real time traffic and weather information by dialing 5-1-1 from most phones. This new traveler information system builds upon the highly successful Washington State Highway hotline that managed 4.6 million calls each year. Callers can also use 5-1-1 to get statewide construction, mountain pass condition, and state ferry system information, as well as toll free numbers for passenger rail and airlines. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
< Back to News Home