Week of Nov. 19, 2007

Roads winter-response plan ready to go

Chilly, wet weather has snow in the forecast for the mountains – and maybe even the higher elevations around here this week. And, while people are just beginning to break out their heavy sweaters and tire chains, the King County Road Services Division has been prepping for winter weather for many months.

It begins on paper, with the “King County Snow and Ice Plan.” The plan outlines how the division will provide the safest possible roadway system and access routes for public transit, school buses, emergency vehicles, and the motoring public.

Next, comes training days for the Roads Maintenance staff. These events are usually held in October, and involve prepping equipment for winter use, training new employees, and setting up stockpiles of sand and deicer in several locations around the county.

“The intent of our plan is to be ready to reduce the safety threat due to snow and ice on our roadways,” said Leo Griffin, assistant Roads Maintenance manager. “However, we can’t eliminate all the impacts of snow; but every effort is made to maintain traffic flow in unincorporated King County to as near normal driving conditions as possible.”

The plan calls for snow and ice removal equipment to be positioned at 10 maintenance offices throughout the county, so it’s ready to go where it’s needed most. The county’s inventory of equipment includes 11 graders, 32 truck-mounted snowplows/sanders, and four deicer/sander trucks.

County crews are responsible for maintaining approximately 2,568 miles of roadway. This includes contract services provided to the cities of SeaTac, Burien, Woodinville, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park, Covington, Maple Valley, Sammamish and Kenmore.

When snowfall is significant, all road crews are placed on split shifts to provide around-the-clock coverage. Although road crews have already received their snow removal route assignments, some of those workers can be shifted to other parts of the county if necessary. Even when there is no snowstorm, there is at least two maintenance crews patrolling the roads overnight and into early morning looking for any weather-related or traffic problems.

The overall goal is to provide the safest possible driving conditions for the public. Primary snow removal routes include:

• Major arterials;
• Metro Transit and school bus routes;
• Emergency routes (i.e. hospital access roads); and
• Access roads to freeways and park-and-ride lots.

A new emphasis for this year is keeping the roads clear for public transportation. Metro Transit, the Roads Division, and many cities have worked together to identify bus routes as priority snow-clearing routes to avoid some of the problems seen during last winter’s snowstorms.

Motorists can do their part to drive safe by familiarizing 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;
• 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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