Date:
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Contact:
Ryan Bianchi, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4788 (Seattle)
Lisa Murdock, WSDOT Communications, (360) 357-2789 (Olympia)
SEATTLE - A mix of snow and rain is falling in most of the greater Puget Sound area. Some snow has accumulated on Seattle area freeways. WSDOT crews are still out plowing and laying down sand, salt and de-icer to keep the roads safe through the night and into the morning commute. Drivers should continue to use caution on curves, ramps and bridges and be aware of patches of compact ice and snow left after Monday's storm. Drivers should give snow plows the right of way so that they may continue to clear the roads.
WSDOT asks drivers to be prepared for the worst:
- Fill your gas tank before you leave
- Pack extra water and food in case you can’t make it all the way home.
- Give yourself plenty of extra time to get to where you are going.
These are the current trouble spots:
South King County
- Snow is falling and beginning to accumulate on roads. Drivers should use caution on all roads, especially on ramps and overpasses as there may still be icy spots.
- We have 18 trucks and 24 people working 12-hour shifts in this area.
Central and North King County
- Heavy snowfall has begun and roads are seeing some accumulation. Drivers should use caution on all roads, especially on ramps and overpasses as there may still be icy spots.
- We will keep the I-5 express lanes open all night and switch them to the southbound direction at midnight. Doing this allows our plows to maintain the roads and the entrance areas.
- Tonight we have 25 plowing and sanding trucks on the road.
Snohomish County
- Snow is falling in the Everett area and is beginning to accumulate on the roads.
- We are applying sand and deicer.
- We have 12 people in 12 trucks working 12-hour shifts in Snohomish County.
Whatcom County
- Snow is falling in Bellingham.
- Drivers should use caution as snow accumulates, especially on ramps and overpasses as there may still be icy spots.
- Tonight we will have 12 trucks and 24 people working 12-hour shifts.
- There is compact snow and ice on Mt. Baker Highway (SR 542) and traction tires are required.
Skagit County
- We have compact snow and ice on all secondary highways and drivers should continue to use caution in those areas.
- We’ve used 1,500 cubic yards of sand during this winter storm.
- We will have 15 trucks and 24 people working 12-hour shifts in this area.
Pierce County
- Our biggest challenge is competing with traffic to apply materials and plow snow.
- Crews have been working split shifts since Sunday night. We will continue this schedule through tonight. The “Winter Night Patrol” is now in effect for the Tacoma area until February/March.
Lewis County
- We have 22 people working overnight and mechanics on-call for equipment.
Jefferson County
- The night crew of 11 people will come on shift at 8:00 p.m.
Thurston County
- Our biggest challenge is competing with traffic to apply materials and plow snow.
- Crews have been working split shifts since Sunday night. We will continue this schedule through tonight.
- The night crew of 22 people began a new shift at 6:30 p.m.
Clallam County
- We have been on our winter storm schedule since Monday morning and plan on staying on this schedule through Friday. The night crew of 11 people will come on shift at 8:00 p.m.
Kitsap County
- We have about 15 people working in 12 hour shifts.
Mason County
- We have about 15 people working in 12 hour shifts.
Snoqualmie Pass
- Traction tires are advised. Oversized vehicles are prohibited. It's snowing with ice in places.
Alternate Passes
- US 2 Stevens Pass - Snowing with ice on the roadway and traction tires advised. Oversized vehicles prohibited.
- US 12 White Pass - Bare and dry. Traction tires advised.
- US 97 Blewett Pass - Traction tires advised. Oversized vehicles are prohibited.
What can drivers do?
- If you can, stay at home and wait until driving conditions improve. If you must travel, drive for winter conditions by slowing down and keeping extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you. If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.
- Check the web before you head out to get an accurate picture of conditions: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/. Drivers can call 511 from any phone to get timely updates on the road. If you’re on the road, have a passenger call 511 to get timely updates on the road. You can also view our traffic page, including mountain pass reports, on your cell phone or PDA at www.wsdot.wa.gov/small.
What about freezing temperatures and ice on the roadways?
- As with snow, don’t travel if you don’t have to.
- Anti-icer does not work below 25 degrees. The chemicals can prevent or melt anything 25 degrees and over, but not below that.
- Sand does not work when the ice sheet is solid. It just blows off the slick surface.
- When traffic volumes are at normal levels it prohibits our plows from being able to properly treat the roads.
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