Snohomish County Road Maintenance Crews Move To 24/7 Operations To Keep Priority And Secondary Route

Press release from the Snohomish County Government:

December 27, 2021

Contact:

Julie Kuntz Bill Craig

Communications Specialist Communications Specialist

Julie.Kuntz@snoco.org Bill.Craig@snoco.org

425-388-6059 425-388-3137

Online resources include snow removal and priority route maps for plows and deicers

EVERETT, Wash., December 26, 2021 – Snohomish County Road Maintenance teams have plowed approximately 3,000 miles since Christmas morning, working four shifts to cover road clearing operations around the clock. So far, 300 tons of sand/salt mix have been applied to approximately 575 miles.

“We are uncertain how much snow we will get before the deep freeze so keeping roads clear and putting down traction is a priority,” said Public Works Director Kelly Snyder. “Crews are doing a great job keeping priority and secondary routes clear. With the potential of more snow, ice and gusty winds, we have tree crews on standby and ready to assist road crews and the PUD as needed.”

Crews will continue to plow, sand and deice priority routes and secondary routes until temperatures rise and conditions return to normal. Once the snow stops, crews can begin making their way to tertiary streets. Drivers are asked to check their travel routes and options before heading out today or during a snow and ice event.

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, sanded or had anti-icing applied.

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:

Life-threatening emergencies, call 911.

Non-life threatening emergencies: 425-407-3999

Work requests for road plowing will be recorded but will not impact the priority listing during snow and ice events.

Follow Snohomish County departments on social media for the most up-to-date information during an emergency event:

• Follow the Department of Emergency Management on Twitter

• Like Public Works on Facebook and follow on Twitter

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.

This press release was produced by the Snohomish County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.