Date:  Sunday, December 21, 2008

Contact: Alice Fiman, WSDOT Communications, 360-789-4035 (Olympia)
Aurora Jones, WSDOT Communications, 206-440-4788  (Seattle)
Megan McFadden, WSDOT Communications, 509-654-0697 (Yakima)
Jeff Adamson, WSDOT Communications 509-667-2815 (Wenatchee)
Emily Pace, WSDOT Communications, 360-507-1854 (Olympic Region)
Melanie Coon, WSDOT Communications, 360-507-4242 (Southwest Washington) Al Gilson, WSDOT Communications, 509-324-6015 (Spokane)

OLYMPIA – Crews are continuing their 24-hour schedule to keep roads open as more snow falls across the state. They also received help today from people choosing to stay put. Lighter traffic means crews can focus on keeping the roadway clear of snow.

As they face another snowy commute, drivers should be well-seasoned and familiar with the rules of winter driving: if you must travel, plan ahead, allow extra time, slow down and know the conditions all along the route. Carry warm clothes, food, water and chains for your vehicles. Make sure you have a full tank of gas and fully-charged cell phone.

The forecast calls for more freezing temperatures and snow on Monday throughout the state. All routes over the Cascade Mountains and into Eastern Washington should see more snow overnight.

WSDOT reports few road closures or restrictions. As of 8 p.m. Sunday:

• Interstate 90 Snoqualmie Pass is open. Tractions tires are required, chains required for vehicles over 10,000 gvw and oversize vehicles are prohibited.
  A reduced speed limit is in effect.
• I-90 express lanes are open westbound and I-5 express lanes are open southbound. This will ensure they are open for the Monday morning commute.
• SR 14 is closed from Washougal to the Bridge of the Gods (milepost 18 to milepost 42).
• SR 27 is closed from Tekoa to Fairfield in Eastern Washington for snow removal
• Extreme weather conditions could result in reduced service on all ferry routes beginning this evening and throughout Monday, December 22. Please use caution in your travel plans and prepare for possible one boat service on all WSF ferry routes. Thank you for your patience.
• There are no Amtrak Cascades runs today. Crews are working quickly to reopen those roads and clear snow and ice from all routes.

Check www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts, for more detail about statewide highway incidents and closures.

WSDOT’s 450 trucks are out clearing 20,000 lanes-miles 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That is more than 1,000 people working around the clock, treating roads for snow and ice, plowing and putting down sand and salt.

Know before you go:

• Get information from our Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov before you leave your home or office.
• 511 - This driver information phone line provides current traffic, incident and closure information. TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388. Out-of-state callers can access the information at call 1-800-695-ROAD (7623).
• Mountain pass conditions are available at www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/passes/.
• At www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter, drivers can find WSDOT’s winter driving-related information, including preparing a vehicle for winter driving, safe driving tips and mountain pass travel advisories. The WSDOT winter site also offers information about chains, winter tires and how WSDOT maintenance crews work in winter weather.
• On WSDOT’s Web site, www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/weather, drivers can view roadway temperatures and see camera images from across the state.
• At www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/trafficalerts, a map shows highway incidents and closures.
• We ask that customers on the Washington State Ferries Port Townsend/Keystone route check at 1-888-808-7977 or via the Web site at www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/commuter_updates/index.cfm?fuseaction=bulletins for wind-related notices and cancellations.
• Sign up for news. WSDOT offers subscribers more than 25 specialized e-mail alerts, including news and information for freight haulers, construction related traffic revisions, project updates from all around the state, and timely updates on pass conditions. Visit www.wsdot.wa.gov and click the link for "E-mail updates."
• Twitter users can add WSDOT to their personal accounts at: http://twitter.com/wsdot/. Go to www.wsdot.wa.gov/inform/twitter for more details.

On the road:

• Overhead and roadside electronic signs
• Highway advisory radio - WSDOT advises drivers to program 530AM and 1610AM on your radio.

 

< Back to News Home