News from King County Department of Transportation
Release date:  Dec. 12, 2008

King County Transportation gears up for first winter blast

With the season’s first punch of cold, wind, and snow headed our way, the King County Department of Transportation is prepared to respond to a variety of weather-related problems as we head into the weekend. That forecast has road crews ready to deal with to snow and ice, and Metro Transit closely monitoring travel conditions.

The latest forecast calls for windy conditions, snow showers, and freezing temperatures over the next few days. As a result, the King County Road Services Division will be prepared to execute snow removal and anti-icing operations all across the unincorporated areas of the county.

Given the forecast of sub-freezing temperatures possibly continuing into next week, the focus of the division’s response will be to limit the amount of ice that forms on roadways and to keep roads clear in the event of snow.

The Roads Division will determine Friday afternoon whether to schedule weekend shifts or bring in crews as needed to deal with spot problems. If temperatures are cold enough, crews may also perform anti-icing operations to prevent ice build-up on roadways. Crews will initially focus on steep hills, bridges and other areas prone to frost and ice.

Prior to the start of the season, anti-icing supplies were more widely distributed among maintenance offices to ensure faster response time and more efficient operations. The division has also doubled its supply of anti-icing equipment.

In addition to snow and ice response, road crews will also be on the lookout for wind-related problems, such as downed trees and blowing debris. Given wet soil conditions, trees may be easily uprooted by the wind. In all, the Road Services Division has more than 50 pieces of snow removal equipment available to help keep roads clear.

Metro Transit is also prepared to deal with the possibility of snow and ice. It is in close contact with weather forecasters and has completed all adverse weather preparations.

Here are a few reminders from the King County Department of Transportation on how to prepare for snow, wind 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 review adverse weather information for those routes, or go to Metro Online and click on “Adverse Weather.” 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 Customer Information Office (206-553-3000);
• Dress warmly for the walk to the bus stop, expect 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; and
• 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.