Date:  Monday, December 22, 2008

Contact: Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, 360-789-4035 (Olympia)
Sean McDermott, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4788 (Seattle)
Mike Westbay, WSDOT Communications, 509- 577-1617 (Yakima)
Jeff Adamson, WSDOT Communications 509-667-2815 (Wenatchee)
Karri Workman, WSDOT Communications, 360-507-1854 (Olympic Region)
Melanie Coon, WSDOT Communications, 360-507-4242 (Southwest Washington)
Al Gilson, WSDOT Communications, 509-324-6015 (Spokane)

VANCOUVER – WSDOT’s road crews in Southwest Washington are taking advantage of a break in the weather to plow snow and treat the roads before the next system moves in, expected Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Temperatures are dropping and commuters and holiday travelers should be geared up for slick conditions, be prepared and take it slow.

People in Southwest Washington awoke to snowy conditions and compact snow on the roadways Monday. Lighter-than normal traffic made it easier for crews to plow road sections quickly and cover more ground, but snow continued to accumulate throughout the day.

Crews were able to get SR 14 back open between Washougal and the Bridge of the Gods, after being closed since Saturday evening. There are tire restrictions for passenger vehicles and it is still closed to large trucks. Crews were also able to clear downed trees to reopen SR 401 between Naselle and the Astoria Bridge in Wahkiakum county.

Major routes like I-5 and I-205 remained in good condition and traffic continued to move. Keeping traffic moving is also helpful to WSDOT because it helps us keep the maintenance facilities stocked with anti-icer/deicer and other supplies. The snow has proven to be little or no challenge to our crews, who are constantly moving supplies and equipment around to keep up with changing conditions.

As last-minute shoppers, commuters and those starting their holiday travels converge, the temperature will drop and roadway ice could re-form. Add one or two spinouts or incidents that block traffic and you have a recipe for gridlock.

There is still compact snow and ice on highways all over the state and crews are gearing up for the next storm, expected to bring more snow to all parts of the state Wednesday.

Drivers are encouraged to check conditions along their entire route before leaving.

As of 4 p.m. Monday,

WSDOT reports only SR 27 closed from Tekoa to Fairfield in Eastern Washington.
The Washington State Ferry system reports extreme weather conditions have delayed fuel service to the Hyak. The Hyak is expected back with the 3:10 p.m. sailing from Kingston.
Amtrak Cascades trains have been cancelled for today.

Those who must travel should be prepared for winter driving conditions. If you must drive, plan ahead and take precautions. Carry warm clothes, food, water and chains for your vehicles. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and a fully-charged cell phone. If driving, slow down and give yourself extra time to reach your destination safely. Roadways, intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady spots all have potential to develop ice that makes driving hazardous.

If you do become stranded, move your vehicle out of travel lanes and activate emergency flashers. Stay in your car and if your car is running, keep the tailpipe area clear.

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.

Know Before you go:

Get information from our Web site at http://www.wsdot.wa.govbefore 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 Web site, 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 http://www.wsdot.wa.govand click the link for “E-mail updates.”
Twitter users can add WSDOT to their personal accounts at: www.twitter.com/wsdot/. Go to http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/inform/twitterfor 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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