Date:
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Contact:
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080 (Olympia)
OLYMPIA – WSDOT has its crews out, chainsaws sharpened, generators gassed up and additional crews on standby for what forecasters call the first major winter storm coming to Western Washington.
The forecast of a strong weather system moving into Western Washington today and Thursday calls for 30-40 mph winds and rain, with the highest gusts of 50-60 mph. Reports indicate drivers could see the most significant impact during the Thursday afternoon commute (3-7 p.m.). Additionally, up to two inches of snow is forecast for the passes.
WSDOT operates Washington’s highways 24-hours-a-day, 12 month-a-year to keep roads clear and drivers safe. WSDOT activities include:
- Maintenance crews are already busy clearing drains to prevent standing water from accumulating on highways during the storm.
- During the storm, crews will work around the clock to clear drains, remove debris and fallen trees. Trucks now have their plows ready to clear debris and open roadways quickly.
- Generators are ready to keep signals working at key intersections.
- A Pre-storm inspection of SR 520 floating bridge: In anticipation of high winds and rain, crews inspected water tight hatches, generators and other standby power sources and mechanical draw span systems.
WSDOT closely monitors bridges such as the SR 520 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.
Weather-related closure procedures for WSDOT bridges:
Commuters heading home tonight are encouraged to check local weather reports and the WSDOT web site for traffic alerts at www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/trafficalerts. Up to two inches of snow is forecast for the mountains, and drivers should be ready for colder temperatures. Check www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter for winter driving information.
Drivers are advised to:
- Make plans for you and your family and closely monitor weather conditions.
- If possible, avoid travel during rush hours (3-7 p.m.) and (5:30-9:30 a.m.)
- Prepare your car. Fill your gas tank, stock your car with basic safety equipment, and keep extra supplies of food, water and batteries on hand.
- Keep drains near your house or apartment clear to avoid water build up on the roadway
- If power lines are down, leave them alone.
- Treat dark intersections as four-way stops.
- Check road conditions before you get on the road. WSDOT’s traffic alerts and slow-downs are available on the Web at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/Traffic/trafficalerts
- 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: www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/commuter_updates/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletins
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