Contact:
Matt Phelps Fay Lim
Communications Specialist Communications Supervisor
Matt.Phelps@snoco.org Fay.Lim@snoco.org
425-388-3137 425-388-6413
Snohomish County Crews Work throughout the Night to Clear Newly Fallen Snow from Primary Routes
Online resources include snow removal and priority route maps for plows and deicers
EVERETT, Wash., Tuesday, December 20, 2022 – Snohomish County Road Maintenance crews cleared approximately 9,185 miles of roads throughout the county since Saturday evening with all 38 plows working overnight. Crews will continue to plow, sand and salt until temperatures rise and conditions return to normal.
“We had a consistent snow fall overnight with our crews focused on clearing the new snow and laying down abrasives,” Snohomish County Public Works Director Kelly Snyder said. “Drivers, as always, need to watch for icy conditions especially on hills, curves, and in intersections. Crews are plowing and sanding around the clock as needed and using graders on elevated routes east of Sultan to help prevent buildup of compact snow and ice.”
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 and sanded.
The prioritization of snow and ice routes are based on 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.
During snow/ice weather events, it’s also important to:
- Know who to call and when:
- Snohomish County Road closure/plowing: 425-388-7500
- Work requests for road plowing will be recorded but will not impact the priority listing during snow and ice events.
- 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.
- Residents clearing driveways and snow berms are advised to pile the snow to the left side as you face the house, especially closer to the road. This prevents the snowplow blade from pushing the material back into the driveway. Throwing snow onto the road creates obstructions in the roadway and 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.
- 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:
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.