EVERETT, Wash., December 30, 2021 – Following more snowfall over night, Snohomish County Road Maintenance crews have returned to plowing primary routes around Snohomish County. Overall, the crews have surpassed 50,000 road miles plowed since the start of this storm system last weekend. Crews will continue 24/7 plowing, salting and sanding operations into the weekend across Snohomish County.
“We have to keep those primary routes clear for our first responders,” Snohomish County Public Works Director Kelly Snyder said. “Once we have those clear and the snow stops, we can go back to clearing the secondary and tertiary roads. We have a lot of sand and salt left to meet continued demands and we are putting in orders for more.”
The air temperature could warm during the middle of the day today but any melt off is expected to freeze back over this evening and could create icier conditions. Freezing rain is also a concern which could result in downed powerlines. Road Maintenance crews will work with the Snohomish County Public Utilities District (PUD) in these instances. Weather conditions are expected to improve beginning Saturday with overnight temperatures staying above freezing.
Before heading out today or during a snow or ice event, it is highly recommended that commuters check their travel routes and options. For those venturing through unincorporated Snohomish County, visit the Public Works Snow and Ice webpage for road closure information and more. The new snow removal and anti-icing map shows which routes are primary and secondary and allows residents to see what county roads have been recently plowed, sanded or had anti-icing applied.
Public calls requesting service will be addressed where possible after priority routes have been cleared. The prioritization of snow and ice routes is based on traffic volume, transit and school bus routes, terrain, and knowledge of problem areas.
During snow/ice weather events, it’s also important to:
- Know who to call and when:
- Life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
- Non-life threatening emergencies: 425-407-3999
- Snohomish County Road closure or plowing: 425-388-7500
- Work requests for road plowing will be recorded and used to prioritize secondary and tertiary routes as time allows.
- Give snowplows and deicer equipment plenty of room to work. Allow for a minimum following distance of 200 feet.
- If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the displaced snow and ice, or sand spray.
- Vehicles parked along all major arterials and emergency routes must be moved off the street. Those vehicles left in the travel lane of a roadway and blocking traffic may be towed at the owner’s expense. It is recommended for vehicles to be moved when snow is in the forecast. Parking vehicles in the driveway and off the road helps the snowplows finish routes more quickly and efficiently.
- Keep drainage inlets near your home clear of leaves and debris during the winter months to help reduce the chance of flooding.
- Try to keep garbage bins and other obstacles out of the street when the roads are icy or covered with snow.
- Obey road closed signs.
- Be sure to have vehicles mechanically prepared for cold weather. Have tire chains or traction tires readily available.
- Keep food, water and medical supplies in your home that will last at least one week. Pay attention to weather reports and plan ahead for even longer periods of time.
- Follow the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management and Public Works department on Twitter and like Snohomish County on Facebook for the most up-to-date information during an event.
Follow Snohomish County departments on social media for the most up-to-date information during an emergency event:
- Follow the Department of Emergency Management on Twitter
- Like Public Works on Facebook and follow on Twitter
About Snohomish County Public Works
Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for approximately 1,600 miles of county roads, more than 200 bridges and manages about 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 600,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and Snohomish County Public Works preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the largest department within Snohomish County government with approximately 500 employees plus seasonal staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201.
Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks or follow the department on Facebook and Twitter for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
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