EVERETT– Snohomish County Road Maintenance crews are moving to a 24/7 winter storm response due to the current and anticipated winter weather hitting Western Washington.
Starting on Wednesday night, Feb. 5, road crews will be plowing and treating roadways around the clock until conditions improve for the region. During the day Wednesday, 27 trucks were out treating county roads with plows, sand, and salt.
“With the snowy morning conditions and freezing temperatures overnight, we anticipate we’ll continue to see icy roads. With continued plowing and sand application, we should see improved traction,” Snohomish County Public Works Director Kelly Snyder said. “Drivers, as always, need to be especially cautious on hills, curves, when crossing bridges and at intersections.”
Before driving, it’s highly recommended that residents check their travel routes and allow additional time for travel. Crews focus on pre-designated primary routes first, followed by secondary routes. Prioritization of snow and ice removal routes is based on emergency services, traffic volume, transit and school bus routes, terrain, and knowledge of problem areas. The prioritization does not change based on public calls – even multiple calls – requesting service.
Snohomish County Public Works provides several resources to help residents through snow and ice events.
- Snow and Ice Response webpage: Robust collection of resources and information from Snohomish County Public Works about how road maintenance crews prepare for winter weather and respond when it arrives. Includes road closures and contact information to report problems.
- Snohomish County Snow & Ice Removal Map: Visual map of which roads have been recently plowed, sanded or had anti-icer applied.
- Primary and Secondary Routes plowing and treatment map: Map of which roads are designated primary or secondary routes in unincorporated Snohomish County.
- Snohomish County road closures map: Visual map and list of Public Works managed roads that are closed in unincorporated Snohomish County.
- Snohomish County Public Safety Hub: Webpage that is updated during emergencies, including severe winter weather, and provides resources and information about snowstorms and warming shelter locations.
- Snohomish County social media: Follow Snohomish County departments on social media for the most up-to-date information during an emergency event.
During snow/ice weather events, it’s also important to:
· Know who to call and when:
o Life-threatening emergencies, call 911.
o Non-life threatening emergencies: 425-407-3999
o Snohomish County Road Maintenance road closure/plow requests: 425-388-7500
- Work requests for plowing will be recorded but will not impact the priority listing during snow and ice events.
- Give snowplows and anti-icing 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.
- Residents clearing driveways are advised to pile the snow away from walkways and to the left side as you face the house, especially closer to the road. Do not throw snow onto the road, as this creates obstructions in the roadway that can be hazardous.
- 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.
Relevant URLs:
- Snohomish County Public Works Snow and Ice Response webpage: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2113/Snow-and-Ice-Response
- Snow and Ice removal map: https://cloud.samsara.com/o/6007077/live_share/coverage_map/IrU8zvtzIDtZTBOmc6MF
- Primary and secondary routes map: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/51260d924da94fe9a0d25280e9fb409e/
- Snohomish County Public Works road closure map: https://snoco-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=15578784822345459c008d66ed1253ab
- Snohomish County Public Safety Hub: https://snohomish-county-public-safety-hub-snoco-gis.hub.arcgis.com/
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 in excess of 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 670,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the second-largest department within Snohomish County government with nearly 600 employees plus seasonal staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201. Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/204or follow the department on Facebook, Instagram, and X for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.
Source: Snohomish County Public Works
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
