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News from King County Department of Transportation
Release date:  Dec. 14, 2008 - 7 p.m.

County warns of an icy Monday commute

Metro buses will be chained; county road crews
will be sanding, de-icing overnight

The ongoing wintry weather is expected to create a difficult Monday morning commute, and travel conditions will continue to be a challenge throughout this week. King County Metro Transit plans to have all its buses chained Monday morning, which may cause some service delays. The King County Road Services Division will be patrolling the unincorporated areas of the county overnight and in the morning, and will be laying down sand and anti-icer on major travel routes in hopes of improving the driving conditions for morning commuters.

Ice and frigid temperatures are keeping the King County Road Services Division on 24-hour operations tonight in an effort to keep roads clear. With sub-freezing temperatures projected to continue through most of the week, motorists all across the county should be prepared for hazardous driving.

Crews have been battling snow and icy roads since Saturday evening. Windy conditions in East King County have been making sanding operations even more difficult. In some instances, roadways have had to be treated multiple times due to the blowing snow and sand. A wind advisory remains in effect for eastern portions of the county until early Monday morning.

While no significant snow accumulation is forecast over the next couple of days, motorists should be prepared to encounter very icy conditions when they head out for work tomorrow. Any melting that may have occurred today is quickly refreezing. While road crews will continue sanding throughout the night, motorists should still expect hazardous driving and black ice conditions as long as temperatures remain below freezing. Until the weather improves, you should closely monitor weather reports, have the appropriate winter gear in your car and use extreme caution when driving. 

Almost all Metro buses will be chained up for the morning commute, and many routes could be on snow routing. When buses are on adverse weather routing, Metro revises its service to bypass hazardous and hilly streets. Passengers should check paper timetables and online schedules for the adverse weather routing for their particular bus route. See Metro Online for information. If the roads stay icy, it is possible that the buses will be chained up for Monday afternoon’s commute as well.

Commuters are urged to be well prepared as they head out for the day. Motorists should drive slowly and cautiously, since it is very difficult to spot black ice on roadways. Bus passengers should be familiar with snow routes that may affect their scheduled trip and their boarding location. All commuters should dress warmly when heading out and expect slow going, no matter what mode of travel they’re using. 

Here are a few reminders from the King County Department of Transportation on how to prepare for snow, wind and ice storms:

For bus passengers:

• Keep timetables handy for quick reference to the adverse weather routing when you hear Metro Transit is modifying service because of snow or ice;
• If you do not normally ride the bus, check timetables ahead of time for routes serving your and review adverse weather information for those routes, or go to Metro Online and click on “Adverse Weather.” Metro may have to switch to snow routes in some locations with little notice. If travel is difficult for vehicles in your area, expect the buses to be on snow routing;
• Be patient. Buses are not always on schedule in snowy or icy conditions. And, increased ridership during bad weather can result in crowded buses and a longer-than-usual wait on the phone for the Customer Information Office (206-553-3000);
• Dress warmly for the walk to the bus stop, expect delays, and wear appropriate footwear for the weather;
• Head for bus stops on main arterials or at major transfer points such as park-and-ride lots, transit centers, or shopping centers; and
• Riders should wait at bus stops at the very top or very bottom of hills, because buses are often unable to stop for passengers on inclines.

For motorists:

• Allow ample time to reach your destination;

• Equip your vehicle with all-season tires and carry tire chains;

• If you must abandon your vehicle, park it clear of travel lanes to allow sanding trucks to get through. Cars left in travel lanes may be towed and impounded;

• Dress for the weather in case you become stranded and have to walk;

• Use caution when following a snowplow or sander by allowing at least two car lengths distance; and

• Caution children about the dangers of sledding on hilly streets.

Residents are also encouraged to report problems on roads in unincorporated King County by calling (206) 296-8100, or 1-800-KC ROADS if they live outside the greater Seattle calling area.

Updated:  December 14, 2008

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