Week of Nov. 27, 2006

Preparation the key to dealing with snow and ice

Nothing like a little snow and ice in the forecast to put the shivers into Puget Sound residents. But with our hilly terrain, numerous bridges, combination of urban and rural roads, and past experiences with snowstorms – it’s good to be prepared for the worst.

The King County Department of Transportation prides itself on being prepared for all kinds of weather – and snow and ice is among the most challenging for both Metro Transit and the King County Road Services Division.

It takes several hours to chain the entire Metro fleet of 1,340 buses.

At this time of the year, transit vehicle maintenance crews are making sure all the 1,340 buses Metro’s fleet are winter ready.  And, communications and rider information staff have updated their plans to keep bus passengers informed about weather-related changes to bus service.

Here are some tips for bus riders during bad weather:

• Keep timetables handy for quick reference when you hear Metro 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 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;
• 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 malls, colleges, park-and-ride lots, or transit 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 the county’s Roads Division, crews begin preparing for winter well before the bad weather hits. Snow and ice removal equipment is positioned at ten maintenance offices throughout the county. The county’s inventory of equipment includes 32 truck-mounted snowplows/sanders, four de-icer/sanders, and 11 graders. Training days are held at each of those maintenance offices in late September and early October, so staff is ready to go when cold weather hits.

photo: worker secures plow to front of truck
The Roads Division held training days earlier this fall to get crews and equipment ready for winter.

During this past weekend, crews were busy dealing with ice on roads in the unincorporated areas. They started around 10 p.m. Sunday in the Fall City area, and then brought more sanding/de-icing trucks in countywide at 3 a.m. Monday to prepare for the morning commute.
County crews are responsible for maintaining approximately 2,568 miles of roadway. This includes all the unincorporated areas and contract services to several cities.

When snowfall is significant, all road crews will be placed on split shifts to provide around-the-clock coverage. The overall goal is to provide the safest possible driving conditions for the public. Primary snow removal routes include: major arterial roads; Metro Transit and school bus routes; emergency routes such as hospital access roads; and access roads to freeways and park-and-ride lots.

As the county works hard to keep roads clear of snow and ice, motorists should familiarize themselves with these basic winter driving tips:

• 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.

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