Date:
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Contact:
Contacts: Pat Moylan, WSDOT Maintenance, (206) 440-4655
Jamie Holter, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4472
SEATTLE - As the Puget Sound Region braces for the next round of winter storms, WSDOT crews are preparing to keep drivers safe on the roads. Current forecasts call for strong winds beginning Thursday evening and continuing into Friday morning. Those rain showers may be followed by snow showers and freezing air with snow levels dropping to 500 feet or lower in the Puget Sound area. WSDOT crews will be out in force clearing snow and ice, monitoring roads and bridges, and helping drivers get where they need to go.
Based upon current weather forecasts, drivers should be prepared for foul weather during the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes. With the Seahawks hosting the San Francisco 49ers Thursday, drivers should also prepare for heavy traffic and potential highway closures Thursday night.
What WSDOT is doing today:
- Carefully watching weather forecasts
- Preparing snow fighting equipment and supplies and adjusting crew schedules so they’ll be ready for work if and when the storm arrives
- Reviewing snow and windstorm plans
- Working with Washington State Patrol and local utilities to develop plans to clear roads quickly if they become blocked by power lines
“We will do everything we can to keep highways safe and open to traffic,” said Pat Moylan, WSDOT Northwest Region Maintenance Manager. “But as we saw in the recent snow storm, we will need help from drivers. Now is a good time to get ready for snow and wind and create a plan for your family, especially if you’re going to attend the Seahawks game.”
What drivers can do today:
- Make contingency plans for you and your family and closely monitor weather conditions. If possible, be prepared to avoid travel during evening rush hour on Thursday - normally 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and the Friday morning rush hour - normally 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
- Prepare your car for winter driving. Fill your gas tank, stock your car with basic safety equipment, and keep extra supplies, such as a blanket and food, on hand. Purchase snow chains and learn how to put them on your tires. For more tips, visit our winter driving Web page: www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter .
- Check road conditions before you get on the road.
- Check traffic alerts and slowdowns page on the Web at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/trafficalerts/PugetSound.aspx
- Check the highway weather Web page for updated information on highways statewide at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather/updates
- Call the 5-1-1 highway information phone line
- Check the local news for traffic and weather reports
- Visit the Washington State Ferries Web page or call 5-1-1 for information on service disruptions or schedule changes at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/commuter_updates/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletins
What drivers can do while on the road:
- Drive for winter conditions. Remember, posted speed limits are for dry conditions. Slow down and leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Watch for dark traffic signals. If a traffic signal is dark, treat the intersection as a four way stop
- Watch electronic highway signs for traffic alerts
- Listen to highway advisory radio messages for road closure information and driver alerts
During high winds, WSDOT closely monitors bridges such as the SR 520 Evergreen Point Bridge, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge and the Hood Canal Bridge. Crews will close the bridges to traffic if they become unsafe for drivers or if high winds create a potential for structural damage. WSDOT crews also work closely with the Washington State Patrol to clear trees and other debris from the roadway.
Before snowstorms arrive, WSDOT crews often apply anti-icer on highways in locations that are most vulnerable to snow and ice. However, as seen in recent storms, anti-icers are not effective in all weather conditions and crews can not blanket the entire highway system.
WSDOT will provide information about road closures and trouble spots to drivers through the media, the 5-1-1 phone system, on our Web site, on highway advisory radio and electronic variable message signs. WSDOT will relay information about road closures and ferry schedule changes to Seahawks fans at Qwest Field on Thursday evening.
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