The King County Roads Services Division is prepped and primed to deal with whatever this winter may dish out in the way of rain, snow, ice and wind.

“Our road maintenance crews have been working on winter preparations for weeks,” said Linda Dougherty, Road Services Division director. “We’ve got the equipment and supplies ready, so we can respond around-the-clock wherever we are needed to keep roads clear. Whether it’s keeping a close eye on floodwaters, hauling away downed trees, or pushing snow off the road, we’re ready to go."

 The Road Services Division starts preparing for winter well before the bad weather hits. Snow removal equipment is positioned at ten maintenance offices throughout the county. The county’s inventory of equipment includes 32 snowplows, 11 graders, and four de-icing trucks assigned to patrol more than 2,620 miles of roadway both in unincorporated King County and eight contract cities.

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

• Major arterial roadway;

• Metro Transit and school bus routes;

• Emergency routes (i.e. hospital access roads); and

• Access roads to freeways and park-and-ride lots.

Dougherty and other King County Department of Transportation officials urge all county residents to do their own part now to prepare for winter-weather driving. That means keeping an eye on the weather, checking the tires, and having the right supplies on hand at work, home and in the car.

“Just as our crews prepare for winter in advance, we encourage all county residents to plan ahead before a bad storm hits our area,” said Dougherty.

Many residents are also unaware of how icy county roads can be, especially during the early morning and late evening hours. Dougherty cautioned all county motorists to be aware of driving conditions before they leave home during the bad-weather months.

 Again this season, the Roads Division will have about 27,000 cubic yards of sand and 156 tons of salt immediately available for snow and ice operations. Stockpiles of sand and salt are located at several maintenance sites throughout the county.

When snowfall is significant, all road crews will be 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.

 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;
• 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.

     Local residents can also sign up for “King County Alert,” a free e-mail subscription service that alerts motorists about closures and other problems on county maintained roadways. Sign up for the road alert service.

 In addition to the traditional weather advisories broadcast on television and radio, there are several online Websites that provide up-to-the-minute information or storm readiness advice:

Emergency advisories regionwide

Local road closures and conditions

King County and other agency traffic cameras

“Taking Winter By Storm” preparedness topics

King County Emergency Management Office
 

Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County.
By visiting this and other King County Web pages,
you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site.
The details.