Date:
Monday, January 28, 2008
Contact:
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, (360) 705-7080 (Olympia)
Travis Phelps, WSDOT Communications, (206) 440-4472 (Seattle)
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications (509) 728-4712 (Yakima)
Kelly Stowe, WSDOT Communications (253) 536-6228
WSDOT crews out for commute; need drivers help
OLYMPIA – Extra WSDOT crews are out all over Washington this morning, preparing roads for the morning commute. As more cars hit the roadway today, WSDOT is asking drivers to slow down and prepare for winter driving conditions.
Plow trucks are out in force today to keep up with the snow. Crews were out all night applying anti-icers, and are now putting down de-icer and sand. Daytime crews came in early in many places to assist the night crews.
In the Seattle metro area, crews are focusing on the I-5, I-405 mainline routes, and then will switch to the harder hit secondary routes, like SR 522, SR 525, SR 9 and SR 18.
Metro area mainline routes are looking great for drivers with bare, wet conditions. Outlying routes, especially those in higher elevations like Issaquah and the Tiger Mountain summit, are seeing a more accumulation. Crews are quickly responding these trouble areas. The I-5 Express Lanes have been open in the southbound direction overnight and will be switched to the northbound direction at 11 a.m.
In South Puget Sound, crews are clearing snow and ice from I-5 in Tacoma, SR 512 and outlying areas in Pierce County. The Hood Canal area remains a trouble spot, with daytime crews coming in early to help keep traffic moving.
Crews in Southwest Washington have seen snow on SR 14 near the Oregon border, but metro areas near Vancouver are bare and wet. Outlying areas have been treated with anti-icer and no major incidents are reported at this time.
Extra morning crews are also in WSDOT traffic management centers this morning to assist with the morning commute and keep traffic moving.
Snow will continue on mountain pass highways, with 10-12 inches expected at Snoqualmie Pass tonight. Most of Eastern Washington, still digging out from the weekend snow and freezing rain, will continue to see snow and cold temperatures.
We do need drivers help:
*On ice and snow, take it slow.
*Pay extra attention to bridges, curves and shady spots.
*Stay back from snow-clearing equipment.
*Allow more time to travel.
*Keep a safe driving distance.
*Turn off the cruise control.
*At www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter, drivers can find a list of winter emergency kit items, more safe driving tips and information on mountain pass travel advisories.
Know Before you go:
*WSDOT offers several ways to get up-to-date traffic and construction information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office.
*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.
*511 - This driver information phone line provides real-time traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
*Drivers with Web service on their cellular phones and PDAs can access the Seattle area traffic flow map, ferry schedules, mountain pass reports at www.wsdot.wa.gov/small.
Know on the Road
*Have a passenger call 511 for current traffic and weather information.
*Watch for electronic messages on signs above the highway.
*Tune into highway radio advisory messages on AM 530 and AM 1610.
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