News from King County Department of Transportation
Release date:  Dec. 28, 2008

King County Road crews continue round-the-clock-efforts to clear snow

Roads, Metro Transit still dealing with aftermath of severe storms

While temperatures have warmed and snow has melted in much of the region, areas in northeast King County – particularly around Woodinville and Duvall – still have considerable snow on the roads creating difficult driving conditions. In response, the King County Road Services Division is keeping its crews on 12-hour shifts and moving staff and equipment northward to help dig out those areas.

"We experienced deep snow in these areas, and we realize that many people do not have vehicles that will enable them to get out of these communities or be able receive vital deliveries until neighborhood streets are cleared,” said Road Maintenance Superintendent Tony Ledbetter. “We want to assure residents we have not pulled back from our efforts to clear those roads and we are not simply waiting for warmer temperatures or rain to do the job.

“Our plan is to get as many roads open in that area as we can for the Monday commute,” said Ledbetter. “We have deployed additional plows, trucks and staff from Southeast King County and have sent them to help with the effort. We want people to know we are putting out extra resources to help them.”

Ledbetter said this allows the division to focus a dedicated attack on northeast neighborhood streets to clear them of the deep slush that is hampering travel. The crews will remain working around-the-clock through Monday night, and beyond if it is necessary. Monday will mark the 17th straight day of 24-hour operations for the Road Division.

Metro Transit

King County Metro Transit is also still dealing with the aftermath of one of the worst series of winter storms the region has seen in decades. Although almost all buses returned to normal routing on Saturday, Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance crews are still facing a huge workload to repair and safety check the buses after the storm.

Metro reminds customers that from Monday, Dec. 29 through Friday, Jan. 2, some routes will operate on a reduced schedule or be canceled due to decreased service levels during the holiday period and to give the crews time to make all necessary coach repairs. Check Metro Online for more information.