SDOT is mobilizing for winter weather

SDOT is mobilizing for winter weather

Fri, 01/12/2024

Information from the Seattle Department of Transportation

With the impending drop in temperatures and potential for freezing rain and ice accumulation in the coming days, the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) recommends that people minimize outdoor activities and avoid travel when possible, as conditions may be slick and icy. If you need to leave your home, please be cautious of potential icy conditions on the roads and sidewalks while traveling. SDOT continues to treat roads and use the winter vehicle fleet to combat ice. Visit our Winter Weather Response resource webpage and Winter Weather SDOT Blog for more information to stay safe and informed. 

Equipped with a fleet of over 50 vehicles, including plows, de-icing trucks, and salt spreaders, SDOT ensures an efficient snow and ice response. With a dedicated team of over 100 crew members actively deployed, the city is prepared for winter conditions. Personnel from Seattle Public Utilities and Parks and Recreation are also trained to operate snow and ice response vehicles and are ready to help. 

SDOT prepares for winter weather year-round, with a primary focus on protecting public safety and ensuring people have reliable access to transit, especially during snowy or icy conditions. When winter weather events are imminent, monitoring occurs 24/7 with direct access to the National Weather Service and live Doppler radar feeds. Response adjustments are made based on actual weather conditions, including pre-treating major roads and bridges with anti-icer.

In the event of snowfall, crews continuously plow streets and treat them with salt where needed. In freezing temperatures without snow, monitoring and treatment of snow routes persist to prevent ice formation. During severe winter weather, WSDOT crews work 24/7 to clear interstate highways like I-5.

As hard as we work, we can’t be everywhere at once, so it may take up to 12 hours after a break in the winter weather event to clear all these roads. Many streets are too narrow or steep to plow safely. We prioritize plowing 1,200 miles of Seattle’s most critical routes to transit, hospitals, schools, major employers, shelters, and other major institutions and emergency services. 

During and after a winter weather event, it’s safest not to drive. If you need to travel, taking transit is your best bet. We work closely with King County Metro to keep bus routes as clear of snow and ice as possible. Visit Metro’s winter guide for more information. 

With 2,400 miles of sidewalks in Seattle, residents are encouraged to clear ice and snow from sidewalks, curb ramps, and drains around their properties. The community is urged to work together to create plans for sidewalk maintenance, ensuring safe travel, particularly for those with disabilities or facing mobility challenges. It’s not just the law; it’s the right thing to do so that everyone can travel safely during a winter weather event.

Here are several tools and resources you can use to get ready and stay informed:

Robinson Papers