Date:
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Contact:
Paul Simonsen, Area Maintenance Superintendent, (360) 520-5537 (Chehalis)
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications, (360) 577-1617 (Yakima)
Annie Linstrom, WSDOT Communications, (360) 601-1760 (Vancouver)
CHEHALIS – After 57 hours of extensive snow removal, Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews successfully reopened US 12 in the vicinity of White Pass. The roadway was reopened to traffic just before 9 a.m. Sunday morning, but motorists are warned that treacherous conditions and long delays may still occur.
Crews used blowers and plows to remove over 78 inches of snow from the roadway since the closure began. An avalanche expert examined the area late Thursday and determined that once the road is cleared of snow, it will be safe to reopen to traffic. WSDOT crews worked around the clock to reopen the roadway.
WSDOT closed approximately 50 miles of US 12 in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 7, due to multiple snow slides in the area. The closure extended from Packwood (milepost 136) to SR 410 junction near Naches (milepost 185), and was later reopened from milepost 165-185, shortening the closure to accommodate for local traffic.
Multiple avalanches tumbled onto the roadway just after midnight on Thursday, causing several blockages on this long stretch of US 12. Another large avalanche occurred early Saturday morning, causing heavy rocks and large debris to tumble down onto the roadway, further delaying reopening of the highway. Two blowers and several plow trucks have been removing snow since the early Thursday morning, trying to clear the roadway. WSDOT asks that motorists carry extra food, water, blankets and chains when traveling over White Pass, as conditions could change with little warning.
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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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