WASHINGTON-As another winter storm is set to hit parts of the state, the Washington State Department of Transportation is preparing its crews to hit the roads and keep the streets clear.
Lauren Loebsack with WSDOT says mountain passes are expected to see mixtures of snow and freezing rain which means plows and equipment have to be ready early.
“We prep with getting early salts and deicer out,” says Loebsack. “When it gets colder, sometimes that requires a sand mix to help get a grip and get some traction.”
Loebsack says the mixtures will help to melt the elements on the roadway quickly to help drivers that are already on their travels when weather begins.
A WSDOT team will monitor the weather to see everything from when to start laying down mixtures, to if any other precautionary action is needed.
“Part of our avalanche control crew’s job is to forecast and consider if we need to clear those slide shoots ahead of a larger snow load so that we don’t get a natural slide,” says Loebsack.
When roads do close, WSDOT says the Avalanche Control team will see if there is a threat to stuck drivers and if people can be moved along safely. Crews will work with Washington State Patrol to control the area and keep everyone safe during an incident.
During this time, WSDOT is hoping clearing the roads early makes it easier for roads to reopen.
“Our crews are out there clearing and treating and opening up turnarounds, opening up lanes and shoulders to make sure that we have the capacity to handle the next active conditions,” says Loebsack.
When driving during winter conditions, WSDOT says this is a crucial time to be an attentive driver.
“This is not the time to have your car on cruise control,” says Loebsack. “This is the time for both hands on the wheel and eyes forward and being alert for conditions.”
