Date:
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Contact:
Richard Langlois, WSDOT Communications, (360) 507-1854
Lisa Murdock, WSDOT Communications, (360) 790-1383
OLYMPIA – Today’s weather showed that maintenance crews at the Washington State Department of Transportation are ready when harsh winter weather arrives.
There are currently no weather-related highway closures, but Clallam, Jefferson and Kitsap counties are experiencing snow and ice conditions. In the past 12 hours, over 14 inches of snow was reported in the north Olympic Peninsula.
WSDOT crews have been busy clearing the snow and preparing anti-icing programs for tomorrow’s wintry weather conditions. Freezing temperatures are forecast across the region. The I-5 corridor forecast reports showers immediately followed by freezing temperatures. The crews will apply de-icing chemicals and sand, and use plows where necessary to help with traction. The strategies and methods in each area vary by changing weather and road conditions.
In times of severe weather, approximately 155 maintenance personnel, who cover the Olympic Region’s seven counties will work early-morning shifts and provide 24-hour coverage to ensure that the region’s state roadways are passable for motorists.
Crews cannot be at all places at all times so motorists are encouraged to plan ahead, check their routes, and carry chains as a precaution if they don’t have four-wheel drive. The latest information about weather, travel alerts, highway closures and mountain pass conditions is available on WSDOT’s Traveler Information Web page (www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather/updates/), or by calling 511.
Olympic Region Winter Maintenance Quick Facts:
- WSDOT’s Olympic Region consists of seven counties – Pierce, Thurston, Mason, Kitsap, Clallam, Jefferson and Grays Harbor.
- The Olympic Region is divided into four maintenance areas.
- Approximately 155 crewmembers are available for winter maintenance work in the Olympic Region.
- Maintenance crews prioritize state roadways in their areas for snow and ice treatment. Among the region’s priority roadways are Interstate 5, US 101, State Route 16 and the Tacoma Narrows and Hood Canal bridges.
- The Olympic Region has 70 vehicles used to plow and sand and 25 vehicles used for anti-icing.
- All four areas use liquid and solid chemicals as their primary anti- and de-icing materials; sand will be used to aid in traction, but is expected to be used in smaller amounts than previous years.
- All areas use a variety of weather forecasts and services in making decisions regarding when to use liquid and solid chemicals and how best to deploy personnel.
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