Date:
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Contact:
Meghan Soptich, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4788 (Seattle)
Lisa Murdock 360.357.2789 (Olympia)
SEATTLE - WSDOT crews are preparing for snowy conditions expected throughout the Puget Sound this afternoon. Major state roads remain bare and wet as crews continue to focus on trouble areas such as ramps, outlying state routes and some remaining icy spots while also putting down deicer in anticipation of further snowfall later today. Drivers must still use caution as temperatures remain low, and should begin planning for their afternoon commute.
WSDOT asks drivers to be prepared for snow:
Fill your gas tank before you leave this afternoon
Pack extra water and food in case you can’t make it all the way home.
Consider leaving early or staying late to miss the rush home, especially if rush hour includes snow.
These are the current trouble spots:
King County
All main routes have been deiced and crews are now focusing on outlying roads.
SR 202 Fall City to Redmond has compact snow in places.
I-90 between Issaquah and North Bend has compact snow and ice in places.
I-5 between Lynnwood and Northgate has ice places. Drivers should use caution.
I-405 from SR 527 to SR 522 has ice and slush in places. Drivers should use caution
Whatcom County
I-5 remains bare and dry in most places south of Bellingham. North of Bellingham still has compact snow and ice. Other state routes have compact snow and ice. If you have to travel be prepared for winter driving conditions.
Traction tires required on Mt. Baker Highway. Compact snow and ice.
Skagit County
I-5 is bare and dry in the wheel tracks. We have sanded the area. Drivers should be careful that they don’t slide. The air temperature is hovering around 16 degrees.
SR 9 has compact snow and ice north of SR 534. Windy conditions reported north of Sedro-Woolley.
SR 534 and 536 have compact snow and ice.
Snoqualmie Pass
No restrictions on I-90 Snoqualmie Pass.
Alternate Passes
US 2 Stevens Pass - Traction tires advised. Oversized vehicles prohibited.
US 12 White Pass - Traction tires advised. Oversized vehicles prohibited.
US 97 Blewett Pass - no restrictions.
Conditions of other State Routes:
Snohomish County
The rest areas at Smokey Point on northbound and southbound I-5 are now open.
Lewis County
Roads are looking good.
Pierce County
Conditions are good. No closures, no trouble spots.
Jefferson County
Roads are looking good.
Thurston County
Traffic and roads looking good.
Clallam County
No closures at this time.
Interesting facts:
If your vehicle was towed off a state highway during the storm, WSP has a number to call: 425.649.4370 ext. 233.
WSDOT is not metering ramps in the greater Seattle/Bellevue area
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’s.
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