Information from Seattle Department of Transportation

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is prepared to respond to winter storms. Today and tomorrow, SDOT is holding a snowplow training exerciseto test equipment and ensure that snowplow drivers are familiar with their routes. This training exercise is one example of the important work that occurs year-round to prepare for winter storms and keep crew members in good practice.

During this practice run, SDOT snowplow drivers travel the specific routes they would clear during and after a real snow and ice storm, following a network of pre-identified arterial streets all across the city. This helps drivers be familiar with the latest street conditions. At the same time, other City of Seattle specialists ensure vehicles, equipment, and supplies are where they need to be at several maintenance facilities in Seattle. This exercise also includes key contributions from SDOT equipment operators, dispatch and traffic operations center staff, auxiliary support crew members, and senior management. 

SDOT monitors weather conditions 24/7 and will pre-treat major arterial streets before it begins to snow to prevent ice from forming. If snow begins to fall, crews will work 24 hours per day to clear Seattle’s most critical streets for emergency services and buses. Crew members from Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle Parks and Recreation are also trained to drive snow response vehicles and ready to help.

SDOT prioritizes plowing over 1,200 miles of Seattle’s most critical routes to hospitals, schools, emergency services, and shelters. As hard as our crews work, it may take up to 12 hours after a break in the storm to clear all these roads.

As City workers prepare for snow, SDOT is asking the public to help get ready too:

• View a map of Seattle’s snowplow routes. During snow events, use this online Winter Weather Response Map to see real-time updates about road conditions and which streets we have recently plowed.
• Prepare in advance and talk to your neighbors to see who may need help during a storm. Make a community plan to ensure that all the sidewalks on the block get shoveled. Make sure you have a shovel and salt ready or know who to ask if you need a helping hand.
• Visit the SDOT Winter Weather webpage for more information about how to get around safely when it snows. Visit MetroWinter.com for King County Metro transit updates.
• View this SDOT Blog post to learn more about how you and your neighbors can prepare for snow.

Seattleites can count on SDOT to clear major streets, but crews can’t be everywhere at once. It is everyone’s responsibility to clear ice and snow from the sidewalks around their homes and businesses to keep communities safe. It’s not just the law; it’s the right thing to do so that people of all ages and abilities can travel safely following a snowstorm if it becomes necessary. 

For more information and other resources including copies of our Winter Weather flyer, visit www.seattle.gov/transportation/winter-weather.