RPIN - Transportation Alerts

Crews prep for new stage of road improvements east of Redmond

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 21:09:00 GMT

The King County Road Services Division’s road improvement project east of Redmond on Novelty Hill is moving into a new phase, as crews prepare for the construction of a new bridge on Union Hill Road. During the week of Feb. 6, there will be work on the bridge approaches and also construction of retaining walls on two other nearby roads. Motorists can expect intermittent lane closures from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Friday on Union Hill Road, Novelty Hill Road, and 195th/196th Avenue Northeast. Please drive with care through the work zones.

King County Afternoon Road Closure Update

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:35:00 GMT

As of 3:30 PM, January 30, 2012, King County Road Services reports the following road closure updates.

Snoqualmie Valley roads closed due to minor flooding

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:54:00 GMT

Persistent rain and minor flooding along the Snoqualmie River has prompted road closures in lowland areas. If you plan to travel in flood-prone areas of the Snoqualmie Valley, be on the lookout for water over roadways. And remember, never drive around road closure signs - the water may be deeper than you think. Driving through standing water is the leading cause of flood-related death.

Expect lane closures on Novelty Hill roads next week

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 21:12:00 GMT

The King County Road Services Division crews are busy with new parts of the Novelty Hill project east of Redmond, as they construct a retaining wall, and install storm drainage and lighting. During the week of Jan. 30, motorists can expect intermittent lane closures from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Novelty Hill Road, Union Hill Road, and 195th/196th Avenue Northeast. Please drive with care through the work zones.

Peasley Canyon Road in the Auburn area has reopened

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:32:00 GMT

The King County Road Services Division has reopened Peasley Canyon Rd. between Military Rd South and West Valley Highway. The road was closed while crews carried out a major debris clean-up effort following last week’s storms. The County is also reminding motorists that the weather forecast is calling for falling temperatures tonight, which could lead to a slippery morning commute. So if you plan to travel use extra caution and be on the lookout for black ice on roadways, especially in foothill areas.

King County afternoon road update

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 23:07:00 GMT

As of 3:00 PM, January 25, 2012, King County Road Services reports the following road closure updates.

King County morning road update

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 14:51:00 GMT

As of 6:30 AM, January 25, 2012, King County Road Services reports the following road closure updates.

King County afternoon road update

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:42:00 GMT

As of 3:45 PM, January 23, 2012, King County Road Services reports the following road closure updates. Motorists should monitor this road closure list throughout the day for updates as conditions change.

King County afternoon road update

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 20:01:00 GMT

As of 12:00 noon, January 22, 2012, King County Road Services reports the following road closure updates. Motorists should monitor this road closure list throughout the day for updates as conditions change.

King County evening road update

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 03:18:00 GMT

As of 7:15 PM, January 21, 2012, King County Road Services reports the following road closure updates. Motorists should monitor this road closure list throughout the day for updates as conditions change.

County road crews finally get the upper hand on snow and ice; attention turns to massive clean-up

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 19:36:00 GMT

King County road crews enter their second week of storm response finally getting the upper hand on snow and ice that has gripped the region in recent days.

The county’s Road Services Division reports good driving conditions on most main roadways in lower elevation areas. However, roads in foothill communities such as Enumclaw, Lake Joy, North Bend and upper Snoqualmie Valley, have been slower to recover. Crews will continue snow and ice removal operations in those areas.

The big travel story, however, continues to be the huge volume of trees and branches that have fallen onto roadways. More than 25 roads, including sections of May Valley Road in east King County, remain closed due to downed trees, power lines and debris. Gusty winds complicated clean-up efforts even further by preventing crews from working overnight in heavily wooded areas.

As the snow and ice disappear from roadways, crews will transition their work to the monumental task of cleaning up from the storms. Their top priority will be to get the debris and power lines off of roadways that are closed. Work will then shift to collecting piles of trees and branches littered along side of roads. The clean-up effort will likely last several weeks.

Residents can continue to monitor road conditions and road closures by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/mycommute

Kirkland Storm Update #9: All Roads Open Except Holmes Point Drive Due to Fallen Tree

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:17:00 GMT

All Roads Open Except Holmes Point Drive Due to Fallen Tree

King County Morning Road Closure Update

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 13:49:00 GMT

As of 6:00 AM, January 21, 2012, King County Road Services reports the following road closure updates.

King County Evening Road Closure Update

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 04:23:00 GMT

As of 8:30 PM, January 20, 2012, King County Road Services reports the following road closure updates.

Improving road conditions should bring changing status for Metro bus routes this weekend

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 02:25:00 GMT

While King County Metro Transit bus routes remain on snow routing through the end of Friday, the agency hopes to begin returning to normal operations over the weekend.

Kirkland Storm Update 8: Rainy Conditions; Crews Plowing Slush on Roadways

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 23:36:00 GMT

Kirkland - Rainy conditions; crews plowing slush. Watch for tree damage and danger.

King County Road Closure Update

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 21:17:00 GMT

January 20, 2012, King County Road Closure Update

Kirkland Storm Update 7: Roads Remain Closed; Citizens’ Help Needed with Flooding Prevention

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:08:00 GMT

Kirkland, Wa - 1st Street Closure; others remain closed. Residents encouraged to clear storm drains and water meters.

Temperatures warming: Now the melt begins

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:25:00 GMT

SEATTLE —Temperatures are forecast to rise. Rain is coming and the City of Seattle is shifting its focus to clearing storm drains to prevent localized flooding.

King County morning road alert

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:57:00 GMT

Another day of plowing and sanding is on tap for King County road crews. As those crews enter the seventh day of ice and snow operations, they hope to finally get the upper hand on the weather by clearing accumulated ice, snow and debris from major arterials as temperatures warm. Despite predictions for improving weather, roads all across the county remain extremely hazardous. There are currently about 30 roads closed in unincorporated King County. Downed trees and limbs account for many of those road problems. Numerous main arterials are still being impacted by the fallen debris and many secondary roads have been reduced to one lane of travel due to these conditions. It will likely take days for crews to fully remove all the trees and branches from roads and road shoulders. So if you plan to drive, don’t let down your guard – travel conditions are still extremely poor in many locations. Residents can monitor the latest road closures and conditions at www.kingcounty.gov/mycommute

Joint Information Center to re-activate on Friday at 5:30 a.m.

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 04:13:00 GMT

SEATTLE — The City of Seattle Joint Information Center, communications hub for the Emergency Operations Center, is deactivating for the evening and will re-activate Friday at 5:30 a.m. The Emergency Operations Center will remain open throughout the night to monitor road conditions and public safety and coordinate the City’s response to weather conditions.

Evening road update

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 03:38:00 GMT

The King County Road Services Division reports road conditions continue to be challenging this evening. This hazardous mix has resulted in the closure of more than 20 roads just in unincorporated areas of King County alone.

A coating of ice on trees is further complicating our travel picture. Road crews report the weight of the ice on vegetation is causing trees and branches to snap and fall onto roadways. The division notes the amount of storm-related debris over roadways is the worst seen in unincorporated areas of the county in many years. So motorists should be on the lookout for falling debris as well as ice on roads and use extreme caution when traveling, especially on roads in heavily wooded areas of the county.

Residents are also being advised to check storm drains near their property to make sure they are not clogged with snow and ice. Doing so will ensure proper drainage when temperatures finally warm up and the ice and snow begin to melt.

Residents can monitor the latest road closures and conditions at: www.kingcounty.gov/mycommute

Difficult road conditions will continue snow routing for Metro buses on Friday

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 01:10:00 GMT

King County Metro Transit will continue with chained buses and snow routing on Friday, Jan. 20.

Road conditions to remain difficult this evening

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:37:00 GMT

SEATTLE – Ice and snow continue to make roads slick. Residents are encouraged to make their way home before dark if possible. The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory calling for an ongoing mix of more sleet, freezing rain and snow until 4 a.m. Winter weather may impact the morning commute.

With continued snow and freezing rain in the forecast, brace for more travel headaches

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:37:00 GMT

The King County Road Services Division reports road conditions continue to be challenging as snow and freezing rain continue to grip the region. This hazardous mix has resulted in the closure of more than 20 roads just in unincorporated areas of King County alone. (See the list below for a complete list of closures.)

A coating of ice on trees is further complicating our travel picture. Road crews report the weight of the ice on vegetation is causing trees and branches to snap and fall onto roadways. So motorists should be on the lookout for falling debris as well as ice on roads.

Residents are also being advised to check storm drains near their property to make sure they are not clogged with snow and ice. Doing so will ensure proper drainage when temperatures finally do warm up and the ice and snow begin to melt.

The Roads Division has an additional word of caution for residents. As tempting as it may be, icy neighborhood roads are no place for sledding. Serious injury can occur when sledders or vehicles lose control. Play it safe and keep winter fun away from roadways.

This alert will be updated as conditions change

Kirkland Storm Update 6: Snowy and Icy Road Conditions Continue; Flood Preparedness Encouraged

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 23:54:00 GMT

Kirkland, WA - Snowy and Icy Road Conditions Continue; Flood Preparedness Encouraged. Tree down on Juanita Drive. Citizens encouraged to use 911 for life emergencies only.

Snoqualmie Parkway Closed at Fisher Ave SE

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:49:00 GMT

Snoqualmie Parkway in Snoqualmie is closed at Fisher Ave SE due to downed power lines. Please use alternate routes. The Snoqualmie Emergency Operations Center is open. For assistance, call 425-888-5911.

City encourages residents to get home before dark

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:14:00 GMT

SEATTLE – With ice and snow continuing to cause challenging travel conditions, the City of Seattle is encouraging people to get home before dark if possible. After dark, icy conditions may worsen and ice will become more difficult to see.

Ice warning remains in effect; poor driving conditions, numerous roads closed

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:58:00 GMT

The King County Road Services Division reports little improvement in road conditions this afternoon as an ice storm continues to grip the region. In addition to the snow that fell yesterday, a mixture of freezing rain and sleet has turned most roadways into sheets of ice. This hazardous mix has resulted in the closure of about 21 roads just in unincorporated areas of King County alone. (See the list below for a complete list of closures.)

A coating of ice on trees is further complicating our travel picture. Road crews report the weight of the ice on vegetation is causing trees and branches to snap and fall onto roadways. So motorists should be on the lookout for falling debris as well as ice on roads.

Residents are also being advised to check storm drains near their property to make sure they are not clogged with snow and ice. Doing so will ensure proper drainage when temperatures warm up and the ice and snow begin to melt.

The Roads Division has an additional word of caution for residents. As tempting as it may be, icy neighborhood roads are no place for sledding. Serious injury can occur when sledders or vehicles lose control. Play it safe and keep winter fun away from roadways.

This alert will be updated as conditions change.

Freezing temperatures challenge drivers, falling trees close roads in central Puget Sound

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:41:00 GMT

SHORELINE – It’s the ice after the snow that’s creating the problems today in Puget Sound. Frigid overnight temperatures made driving very difficult this morning, and will continue to make driving difficult throughout the day.

Tree limbs loaded with snow are snapping and falling onto state highways all across King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. Many roads are closed due to downed trees. It appears it will get worse before it gets better.

“We haven’t seen trees come down like this in years,” said Chris Johnson, maintenance manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation, who’s been with the agency for 28 years.

“We had our crews out all night de-icing the roads. We threw everything we had at this storm – sand, de-icer, salt and plows. It’s so widespread that it’s been very difficult to keep up,” said Dave McCormick, regional maintenance manager for WSDOT.

The National Weather Service extended the ice watch until 2 p.m. today. Region-wide power outages are affecting the systems that power the WSDOT Seattle area traffic flow map and cameras.

As of 11 a.m., here is a list of the major closures:

· SR 18 closed between Auburn Way and Issaquah-Hobart Road due to multiple downed trees for several miles.

· SR 202 closed between Fall City and Snoqualmie due to downed trees.

o This will remain closed for several hours.

· SR 410 closed between SR 164 and the Federated Forest.

o Skiers at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort will not be able to leave for a few hours.

· SR 900 closed at May Valley Road.

· SR 165 closed at 288^th Street in Carbonado due to downed powerlines and trees.

· SR 507 near Eastgate due to downed trees.

· SR 167 in Puyallup near 8^th Street

Earlier this morning, a WSDOT Incident Response Team member was injured while responding to a collision on southbound I-405 near the I-5 interchange. The worker remains at Harborview Medical Center with broken bones.

“We are concerned about the safety of our workers and drivers,” said McCormick. “We don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Drivers are encouraged to check the forecast and check conditions before they head out. Drivers should conside

Kirkland Storm Update 5: Icy Road Conditions; Tree Down on Holmes Point Drive

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 17:39:00 GMT

Kirkland, WA- Icy Road Conditions; Tree Down on Holmes Point Drive

Freezing rain may make travel difficult

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:18:00 GMT

Although many priority roads in Bellevue are passable, compact snow and ice remains on some streets, and freezing rain could make driving extremely difficult.

National Weather Service issues Ice Storm Warning until noon

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:56:00 GMT

With the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing an ice storm warning for the Seattle area, residents are strongly discouraged from travelling until conditions improve. A thin sheen of ice creates danger for vehicles and pedestrians. The Seattle Emergency Operations Center is fully activated and monitoring the situation.

Issaquah Winter Weather Update 2

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:43:00 GMT

Learn more about road conditions/closures. Issaquah City Hall is also closed today, except for essential staff.

More snow and freezing rain causing extremely dangerous travel in King County

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:40:00 GMT

The King County Road Services Division reports very treacherous driving conditions this morning due to additional snow and freezing rain that has moved into the area. While crews are making every effort to keep major arterials clear, less traveled roads are likely to be extremely icy. Crews are additionally reporting problems with downed trees and limbs due to heavy ice accumulations. With more rain or freezing rain in the forecast for the next several hours, motorists are being advised to use extreme caution when traveling. If possible, postpone your trip until later today when temperatures have has a chance to moderate. Pay close attention to weather forecasts throughout the day and be prepared to adjust your travel plans. Also be prepared to encounter extremely slick conditions and road closures just about everywhere in the county. And remember, sidewalks and walkways will also be slick!

Seattle Emergency Operations Center still operating

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 14:13:00 GMT

The City’s Emergency Operations Center continues to operate, monitoring weather conditions and coordinating the City’s response to the winter storm event. The Joint Information Center activated at 5:30 a.m. Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) crews continued patrolling overnight, plowing where needed, and applying salt on wet surfaces, in advance of this morning’s commute. Ice is the main concern.

City prepares for possible icy morning commute

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 03:38:00 GMT

SEATTLE – With snowfall tapering off, the City of Seattle is shifting its focus to the potential for an icy Thursday morning commute. Wet and slushy roadways and temperatures forecast below freezing could result in dangerous roads. Residents are encouraged to assess transportation options and consider staggering their commute time.

Kirkland Storm Update 4: Roads Remain Closed; Citizens Encouraged to Prepare for Local Flooding

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 01:00:00 GMT

Kirkland, WA: Steep Roads Remain Closed; Citizens Encouraged to Prepare for Local Flooding Conditions. Follow Kirkland Storm Updates on Twitter; Search for @Kirklandgov

SDOT continues 24 hour snow removal operations

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:50:00 GMT

SEATTLE - Seattle deployed a fleet of 30 plows, de-icing trucks, and graders to remove snow from approximately 750 miles of priority roadways in the city today. Residents are discouraged from traveling to help keep roads open and safe for emergency vehicles, transit and snow removal.

Snow piles up as winter storm barrels through region

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 22:41:00 GMT

Heavy snow making travel difficult throughout King County

A new round of heavy snow is causing major travel headaches all across King County today - whether you're driving on major urban arterials or unincorporated rural roads. No area of the county appears to be escaping this latest winter blast.

King County road crews are currently reporting very hazardous driving conditions along with several road closures. In many parts of the county, the snow has come down so hard and fast, snow response has been mostly confined to heavily traveled arterials in the county.

Given the amount of snow that's fallen, road crews are now checking dozens of very steep roadways in the county that are particularly susceptible to snow and ice buildup. As the day progresses, some of those roads may need to be closed if crews determine they are not safe for travel. (See complete list of road closures below.)

Motorists should continue to monitor weather conditions and road alerts.

Road crews will continue to work twelve-hour shifts to support 24-hour operations countywide until conditions improve. The county has about 50 pieces of snow removal equipment (ranging from snowplows and sanders to anti-icing vehicles) available to maintain urban, suburban and rural roads in unincorporated King County.

Given the potential for additional snow and continued cold temperatures, motorists should closely monitor weather forecasts and adjust their travel plans as necessary. Remember to stick to main arterials - these heavily traveled roads are considered priorities for snow and ice removal.

Bellevue providing 24-hr response

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:48:00 GMT

Bellevue crews are fully deployed citywide, focusing on plowing, sanding and deicing arterials and neighborhood priority routes to maintain citywide mobility for emergency services. Once these routes have been cleared and road and weather conditions are stable, crews will move into neighborhood streets to plow, sand and de-ice. Response operations will remain fully deployed 24 hrs a day until road and weather conditions improve.

Kirkland Storm Update 2: Steep Roads Closed; Service Updates

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:43:00 GMT

Kirkland WA: Steep roads closed; priority roads being plowed. City Hall is open. Waste Management cancelled collection. Meeting cancellations.

TUKWILA ROADS ALL OPEN

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:15:00 GMT

With the warming temperatures, and a great street crew, all roads in Tukwila are open. Some side streets are still a little slushy... but travel is safe on all main arterials.

Emergency Operations Center continues to operate, monitor road crew efforts

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:17:00 GMT

The Emergency Operations Center continues to operate, monitoring weather conditions and coordinating the City’s response to the winter storm event. The Joint Information Center activated at 6 a.m.

Kirkland Storm Update 2: Response, Cancellations, Public Hearing Tonight

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 01:23:00 GMT

Kirkland, WA - The City of Kirkland offers the following updates about road maintenance response, additional closures, and the City Council Public Hearing tonight.

County Road Crews maintain 24-hour response to snow and ice

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:39:00 GMT

King County road crews continue to carry-out an around-the-clock response to snow and ice and will continue to staff twelve-hour shifts until conditions improve.

As we head into the evening hours, road crews continue to respond to rapidly changing weather conditions. Motorists should expect roadways that have thawed during the day to refreeze, causing hazardous driving. Then, as a new storm approaches the area overnight, snow will once again take center stage. Given the current forecast, this storm could bring several inches of new snow to many locations.

Given this forecast, motorists should closely monitor weather forecasts and adjust their travel plans as necessary. When heading out, make sure you are prepared for winter driving.

Motorists are again reminded to stick to major arterials and heavily traveled roadways if they plan to travel over the next several days. These roads are considered priorities for snow and ice response in unincorporated areas of the county. Depending on the severity of the storm, some roads will be plowed and sanded less often than others.

Given this potential for reduced road clearing, residents should familiarize themselves with King County’s snow plan and develop backup plans if heavy snow prevents travel. Those plans might include working a flexible schedule, telecommuting or postponing your trip, if possible.

For more information about the King County Road Services Division's snow and ice plan, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/roads/snowandice

There are no snow-related road closures in unincorporated areas of King County being reported at this time.

Kirkland Storm Update 1: Cancellations, Closures & Winter Weather Safety Tips

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:11:00 GMT

Kirkland, WA- The City of Kirkland reports the following storm updates and offers safety tips for winter weather conditions.

City Emergency Operations Center to activate at 7 a.m.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:18:00 GMT

As the City of Seattle continues its winter storm response and prepares for forecasted significant accumulations of snow Wednesday, Mayor Mike McGinn will activate the City’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 7 a.m. today. The EOC’s Joint Information Center activated at 5:30 a.m. this morning.

Metro Transit will be on snow routing Tuesday, Jan. 17

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 04:04:00 GMT

King County Metro Transit is remaining on snow routing countywide overnight and on Tuesday, Jan. 17. And, with continuing snowfall forecast, there could be some bus trips or routes cancelled. Before traveling, riders should check www.kingcounty.gov/metro/snow for the most current status of Metro service.

Weekend storm leaves a blanket of snow countywide

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 01:25:00 GMT

Weekend storm leaves a blanket of snow countywide
King County response now shifts to battling icy roads

Now that the snow is beginning to ease in many areas of King County, road crews are shifting their attention to sanding, as temperatures drop and roads begin to freeze.

Crews began responding to snow and ice on roadways in north areas of the county Saturday afternoon. By early Sunday morning, all crews were placed on twelve-hour shifts to carry-out around-the-clock snow and ice operations countywide. Currently, about 150 maintenance staff have been placed on snow duty.

With more snow and cold expected in the coming days, motorists should brace for even more travel challenges. While county crews will continue to tend to snow and ice, roadways can quickly refreeze. Steep roads, less traveled roads and bridges can be particularly hazardous, especially at night and during the early morning hours as commuters head out to work.

Motorists are again reminded to stick to major arterials and heavily traveled roadways if they plan to travel over the next few days. These roadways are considered priorities for county snow and ice response. If additional snow impacts the county, consider postponing your trip until conditions improve. For more information about the county's snow response, visit http://www.kingcounty.gov/roads/snowandice

There are no snow-related road closures in unincorporated areas of King County being reported at this time.

ROADS OPEN IN TUKWILA

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 22:07:00 GMT

Hills and main arterials are currently open in Tukwila.

Watch for lane closures east of Redmond during the week of Jan. 16

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:11:00 GMT

Crews will be working Monday through Friday during the week of Jan. 16 on road projects east of Redmond next week. Watch for intermittent lane closures Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Novelty Hill Road, Union Hill Road, and 195th/196th Avenue Northeast. Please drive with care through the work zones.

Watch for lane closures east of Redmond during the week of Jan. 9

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 21:27:00 GMT

Crews will be busy with road projects east of Redmond next week. Watch for intermittent lane closures Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Novelty Hill Road, Union Hill Road, and 195th/196th Avenue Northeast. Please drive with care through the work zones.