Date:
Monday, November 12, 2007
Contact:
Myly Posse, WSDOT Communications, (206) 437-6314 (Seattle)
SEATTLE - WSDOT crews are out in force to keep traffic moving during the Veteran's Day 2007 storm. Peak winds are forecasted between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. today in the Central Puget Sound region and crews are amassed, poised and ready to respond to downed trees and power lines, clogged drains and other roadway obstructions.
In Skagit and Whatcom counties, 15 - 20 crews have been clearing trees and power lines since early this morning. In the greater Seattle area, 10 extra IRT crews are patrolling roads today to make sure the afternoon commute runs smoothly. All extra crews are on standby during this holiday storm in case the extra manpower is needed.
Bridge engineers expect sustained winds of 20-30 mph, with gusts up to 50 mph from 10 a.m. to around 1 p.m. today. Bridge crews are on the SR 520 Evergreen Point Floating bridge from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. keeping an eye on the wind speeds and bridge function. Although the likelihood is low, crews will close the SR 520 bridge to traffic if 50 mph winds are sustained for 15 minutes.
"WSDOT crews have been busy during the months of September and October clearing drains," said WSDOT Asst. Regional Administrator Dave McCormick. "They have also identified and cut down trees with the greatest risk of falling during high winds. This allows crews to work more efficiently during a storm event like today's."
Currently, there are no storm related lane or roadway closures in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, Snohomish or King counties.
Drivers should:
Know Before You Go:
WSDOT offers several ways to get up-to-date traffic information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office:
- 511 - This driver information phone line provides real-time traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
- At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather drivers can look at weather forecasts and road temperatures throughout the state
- At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts, the color-coded map shows statewide traffic conditions, including construction delays and highway incidents.
- Drivers with Web service on their cellular phones and PDAs can access small-screen I-90 pass updates at: www.wsdot.wa.gov/small by clicking on the "mountain pass reports" link
- Tune into local media stations in the event that WSDOT servers are down due to storm related power outages
On the Road:
- Overhead and roadside electronic signs provide emergency and incident alerts to drivers
- Highway advisory radio - Yellow signs with flashing lights alert drivers to tune into radio frequencies airing construction and incident updates
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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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