News from King County Department of Transportation
Release date:  Jan. 11, 2007 - 4 p.m.

King County Transportation continuing storm response

Transportation concerns linger for afternoon commute

While dry, sunny weather has helped many roadways in King County thaw out from last night's blast of snow, sub-freezing temperatures will likely cause renewed problems this evening - just as motorists are heading home. Metro Transit buses will be operating on snow routes again for the Thursday afternoon commute, and bus passengers should expect service delays. All travelers should expect dangerous road conditions after sunset today, as melting roads refreeze.

More than 240 King County road workers continue to be assigned to around-the-clock operations in the battle to remove snow, and prevent ice from building up on roadways. It has been an intense effort, given fluctuating temperatures and rapidly changing conditions.

Overall snowfall in the county has ranged from about an inch to up to eight inches or more. In an effort to help those areas hardest hit by the storm - primarily eastern parts of the county, the Road Services Division has redeployed crews from areas less impacted and has enlisted the help of the county's Solid Waste Division. Solid Waste drivers will further assist road crews in these harder-hit areas.

As motorists head out tonight, the Roads Division cautions them to be on the lookout for black ice on elevated roadways, including areas that are shaded and did not have a chance to dry out today. Motorists should also be aware that roads all across the county will likely become slick tonight and could remain hazardous for the next few days due to thawing and refreezing.

Metro Transit is continuing to chain its buses and operate on snow routing in almost all areas of the county. This is expected to continue through tomorrow as well. During the Thursday afternoon and Friday morning commutes, bus passengers should expect delays in service because the chains require buses to operate at slower speeds.

This afternoon, there will be no regular service to the Issaquah Highlands Park-and-Ride, but there are chained shuttles between that location and the Issaquah Park-and-Ride on State Route 900. There are also shuttles operating between upper and lower Queen Anne, in Leschi, and Rainier Beach in Seattle.

All Metro bus bases, park-and-ride lots, and transit centers were sanded again today, but access roads to and from the Issaquah Highlands Park-and-Ride are very slick.

Here are a few reminders from the King County Department of Transportation on how to prepare for snow and ice storms:

For bus passengers:

• Keep timetables handy for quick reference to adverse-weather routing when you hear Metro Transit is modifying service because of snow or ice;
• If you do not normally ride the bus, check timetables ahead of time for routes serving your area and the adverse-weather information on Metro Online for those routes. Metro may have to switch to snow routes in some locations with little notice;
• Be patient. Buses are not always on schedule in snowy or icy conditions. And, increased ridership during bad weather can result in crowded buses and a longer-than-usual wait on the phone for the Rider Information Office (206-553-3000);
• Dress warmly for the walk to the bus stop and possible delays, and wear appropriate footwear for the weather;
• Head for bus stops on main arterials or at major transfer points such as park-and-ride lots, transit centers, or shopping centers; and
• Riders should wait at bus stops at the very top or very bottom of hills, because buses are often unable to stop for passengers on inclines.

For motorists:

• Allow ample time to reach your destination;
• Equip your vehicle with all-season tires and carry tire chains;
• If you must abandon your vehicle, park it clear of travel lanes to allow sanding trucks to get through. Cars left in travel lanes may be towed and impounded;
• Dress for the weather in case you become stranded and have to walk;
• Use caution when following a snowplow or sander by allowing at least two car lengths distance;
• Caution children about the dangers of sledding on hilly streets.

Residents are also encouraged to report problems on roads in unincorporated King County by calling (206) 296-8100, or 1-800-KC ROADS if they live outside the greater Seattle calling area. They can also receive road closure updates by visiting the Road Alert Web page.