Date:
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Contact:
Sylvia Ross, WSDOT Communications, 360-905-2058 (Vancouver)
Alissa Bateman, WSDOT Communications, 360-905-2078 (Vancouver)
VANCOUVER –Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) maintenance crews have been working around the clock throughout the region and the metro area to keep roadways as clear as possible for motorists. Throughout Tuesday and in time for the afternoon commute, the state highway system throughout Clark County has remained drivable, with wet roads, and only minor isolated problems.
In the Vancouver and Washougal area, WSDOT Maintenance crews have been working 24-hours a day, applying anti-icers and de-icers throughout the duration of this weather pattern. They will maintain this schedule while storm conditions continue to affect highways.
Vancouver: In the last two days, crews have used 6,500 gallons of liquid de-icer and 50 tons of solid de-icer in the Vancouver area.
Washougal: In the last two days, crews have used approximately 5,000 gallons of liquid de-icer and 30 tons of solid de-icer in the Washougal area.
De-icers have been effective on most state highways in the Vancouver and Washougal area, keeping roadways clear for motorists. However, drops in temperatures and freezing rain are in the forecast, and WSDOT reminds motorist to try to avoid travel if possible during the night-time and early morning hours.
How can motorists find the latest information on the highways they plan to travel?
• Check the web before you head out to get an accurate picture of conditions. www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/
• Drivers can go to our Highway Weather Update web page for the most updated information on all roads across Washington State: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather/updates
• Drivers can call 5-1-1 from any phone to get timely updates on the road. If you’re on the road, have a passenger call 5-1-1 to get timely updates on the road. You can also view our traffic page, including mountain pass reports, on your cell phone or PDA’s
What can drivers do?
• In areas where snow and ice is at its worst, don’t travel if you don’t need to.
• Drive for winter conditions. Driver should slow down and keep extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• If traveling over a mountain pass, carry chains.
• If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.
What about freezing temperatures and ice on the roadways?
• As with snow, don’t travel if you don’t have to.
• Anticipate the cold temperatures. Anti-icing chemicals to now work to their full effect in conditions below 25 degrees.
• When the ice sheet over the roadway is solid, sand does not work as well – it blows off the slick surface.
Looking for your abandoned car?
To find your abandoned car call (425) 649-4370 ext. 233. When you call this number you will need your license plate number and the location you left your car.
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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.
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