Date:  Friday, December 19, 2008

Contact: Public Road Condition Inquiries: Call 5-1-1/ out of state callers call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).

Media Contacts:
Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, 360-705-7080 (Olympia)
Sean McDermott, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4788 (Seattle)
Megan McFadded, WSDOT Communications, 509-654-0697 (Yakima/Snoqualmie Pass) Jeff Adamson, WSDOT Communications 509-667-2815 (Wenatchee)
Karri Workman, WSDOT Communications, 360-507-1854 (Olympic Region) Melanie Coon, WSDOT Communications, 360-705-7078 (Southwest Washington) Al Gilson, WSDOT Communications, 509-324-6015 (Spokane)
Marta Coursey, WSDOT Communications, 206-515-3918 (Washigton State Ferries)

OLYMPIA – As drivers venture out for weekend events and activities, another strong wind and snowstorm has its sights set on the Cascade Mountains and Western Washington. The snow and winds forecast for late Saturday into Sunday could cause near whiteout conditions on many highways in the south Puget Sound, Olympic Peninsula and in the mountain passes.

In most of Eastern Washington, forecasts call for continued clearing and cold temperatures, but winds should stay within normal range.

“It’s very important to be prepared if you need to drive this weekend,” said WSDOT Secretary Paula Hammond. “Prepare your car, know the weather conditions where you are, along your route and where you are going. Think about what you need in your car, charge your cell phone and have a full tank of gas. We are updating our Web site and talking to media day and night. Check the reports and use this information to stay safe and make the best decisions for your family.”

All areas from the coast to the mountains, Vancouver north through Whatcom County could see the snow and high winds. King, Snohomish and Pierce county areas just west of the mountains remain most at risk for wind damage and power outages. We ask that customers on the Washington State Ferries Port Townsend/Keystone route check at 1-888-808-7977 or via the Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/commuter_updates/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletins for wind-related notices and cancellations. WSF will also be loading less cars - or short loading vessels - on some of the routes to protect against any large waves.

Drivers need to be prepared for winter driving conditions all over the state and if they must drive, plan ahead and take precautions. If there is no power at an intersection, is should be treated as a four-way stop. Please visit www.emd.wa.gov/ for information on emergency readiness in your home.

WSDOT’s 450 trucks are out clearing 20,000 lanes miles 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That is more than 1,000 people working around the clock, treating roads for snow and ice, plowing and putting down sand and salt. WSDOT will also close roads to protect drivers and its crews.

The WSDOT reminds motorists to drive safely and observe any emergency road closures, for their own safety and the safety of WSDOT crews. Under Washington law, RCW 47.48.040, the white sign with black lettering “Road Closed” marks a location where all private and commercial vehicle traffic is restricted. Only official law enforcement, authorized emergency services, or WSDOT vehicles are permitted to pass. Residents inside the closure would need to contact the Washington State Patrol or WSDOT for access. When roads are closed, they are not patrolled. Drivers that violate a road closure could become stranded. Not only could they face serious injury to themselves or highway crews, drivers could face a fine of $124 or more if they violate a highway closure.

WSDOT Avalanche control crews on Snoqualmie Pass were out working late Thursday. If forecasts are correct and two more feet of snow falls in the mountains, they will need to do more avalanche control work over the weekend. WSDOT attempts to schedule avalanche control work and the needed road closures outside of peak travel hours, but driver safety is our priority.

Trucks and other freight haulers should also be prepared with chains. If conditions warrant, we may require the use of chains on all trucks traveling over portions of I-5. Due to an exceptional amount of incidents this past week involving trucks, WSDOT is taking this action as a step to enhance safety on the I-5 corridor. All heavy truck drivers will need to carry the required amount of chains www.wsdot.wa.gov/commercialvehicle/chain_req.htm with them if they are utilizing I-5.

On Thursday, users experienced Web site slowdowns Thursday, but technicians say the site is ready for the next usage spike. When the Web site experiences slowdowns, with switch to a more basic text site and use the WSDOT blog and Twitter site for updated traffic reports. Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/news to sign up for the WSDOT blog and Twitter updates.

Drivers who are ready for the weather and drive safely help WSDOT and themselves. One spin-out can block traffic for hours and cause additional incidents. And, clearing incidents can also take our crews away from road-clearing activities.

Drivers should be prepared, carry chains, slow down and give you give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. These all have potential to develop black ice that makes driving hazardous.

Know Before you go:
*Get information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office.
*511 - This driver information phone line provides current traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388. Out-of-state callers can access the information at call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).
*Mountain pass conditions are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/.
*At www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter, drivers can find WSDOT’s winter driving-related information, including preparing a vehicle for winter driving, safe driving tips and mountain pass travel advisories. The WSDOT winter site also offers information about chains, winter tires and how WSDOT maintenance crews work in winter weather.
*On WSDOT’s website, www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather, drivers can look roadway temperatures and see camera images from across the state.
*At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts, a map shows highway incidents and closures.
*Sign up for news. WSDOT offers subscribers more than 25 specialized e-mail alerts, including news and information for freight haulers, construction related traffic revisions, project updates from all around the state, and timely updates on pass conditions. Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov and click the link for “E-mail updates.”
*Twitter users can add WSDOT to their personal accounts at: http://twitter.com/wsdot/. Go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/inform/twitter for more details.

On the Road:
*Overhead and roadside electronic signs *Highway advisory radio - WSDOT advises drivers to program 530AM and 1610AM on your radio.

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WSDOT keeps people, businesses and the economy moving by operating and improving the state's transportation systems. To learn more about what we're doing, go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/news for pictures, videos, news and blogs. Real time traffic information is available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic or by dialing 5-1-1.

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