County road crews ready for bad weather
Published on Tue, Dec 15, 2009Read More Local News
Snohomish County road crews were standing by in case forecasts of light snow early this week materialized.
"We successfully attacked the accumulating snow last year, keeping roads cleared and safe for drivers," Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon said. "We're ready to do the same this year."
During snowstorms in December 2008, more than 160 county employees put in 12-hour shifts during a three-week period, successfully plowing and de-icing more than 50,000 road miles, sometimes with snow four feet high. These efforts kept primary county roads and many secondary roads open with few road closures.
This year, the Public Works Department has stockpiled 10,000 tons of sand mixed with salt at three locations throughout the county, and has 20 sander/plow trucks mounted and ready. Another 20 trucks can be up and running within hours if needed.
The county also routinely de-ices roads prior to storm events, and will utilize 25,000 gallons of de-icer as necessary this winter. Drivers will be on standby throughout the weekend and will be on the road ahead of the morning commute.
"There is a concerted effort here at Snohomish County to have the main roads completely clear of snow and ice," said Steve Thomsen, the county's Public Works director. "From there, we branch out to secondary roads and neighborhoods."
Unincorporated Snohomish County is divided into 12 zones that are actively managed during snow and ice events. The county also contracts with several cities to provide snow and ice control on city streets.
"We successfully attacked the accumulating snow last year, keeping roads cleared and safe for drivers," Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon said. "We're ready to do the same this year."
During snowstorms in December 2008, more than 160 county employees put in 12-hour shifts during a three-week period, successfully plowing and de-icing more than 50,000 road miles, sometimes with snow four feet high. These efforts kept primary county roads and many secondary roads open with few road closures.
This year, the Public Works Department has stockpiled 10,000 tons of sand mixed with salt at three locations throughout the county, and has 20 sander/plow trucks mounted and ready. Another 20 trucks can be up and running within hours if needed.
The county also routinely de-ices roads prior to storm events, and will utilize 25,000 gallons of de-icer as necessary this winter. Drivers will be on standby throughout the weekend and will be on the road ahead of the morning commute.
"There is a concerted effort here at Snohomish County to have the main roads completely clear of snow and ice," said Steve Thomsen, the county's Public Works director. "From there, we branch out to secondary roads and neighborhoods."
Unincorporated Snohomish County is divided into 12 zones that are actively managed during snow and ice events. The county also contracts with several cities to provide snow and ice control on city streets.
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