Expect snow packed highways throughout Northwest Oregon today

 

February 7, 2014	Rick Little, 541-726-2442 mailto:richard.little@odot.state.or.us Lou Torres, 503-986-2880 mailto:louis.c.torres@odot.state.or.us
2-34-R2

 

  

Expect snow packed highways throughout Northwest Oregon today

All state highways are open and passable but not free from snow

 

ODOT crews worked through the night Thursday, and are continuing their 24 hour coverage plowing and sanding area highways as they responded to the significant region-wide weather event that produced heavy snowfall over a large area from Portland to Cottage Grove and from the Cascades to the Coast.  

With forecasts of continued frigid temperatures and additional snowfall later today, crews are working with the goal of keeping the snow packed roads passable. There is no highway closure due to snow or ice this morning.

In the Willamette Valley, chain requirements remain in effect on I-5 in Linn County. Motorists should anticipate congestion, delays and overall slow travel through Linn County as trucks stop to chain-up.

All crews in the mid and southern Willamette Valley are focusing on I-5 and other major state highways that have the heaviest traffic volumes, are most critical for commuters and businesses, and carry the heaviest freight volume.

In short, the public should understand that there are simply not enough plows, sanders and staff to bring all highways in the region to bare pavement today. As the primary and secondary highways are improved, the less-traveled highways will be prioritized.

ODOT recommends motorists consider delaying travel today to make it easier for crews to plow and sand. If you must drive in these conditions:

Be ready to use your chains. Chains required on vehicles towing or single drive axle over 10,000 GVW or higher are required to use chains on I-5 between Washington State and South Wilsonville.

Expect a long commute that could last hours. ·

Be patient. Go slow.·

Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.·

Don't abandon your vehicle, even in the shoulders. We will tow it.

Keep a watch on weather conditions throughout the day in anticipation of the next snow storm which will make current road conditions worse. 

We appreciate the patience of travelers who delay their trips or experience longer commutes. We cannot be everywhere at once to clear the roads and we cannot clear the roads when they are stacked with traffic. The cooperation of the traveling public is imperative in keeping the passable and we thank you in advance. 

For additional resources on winter driving and preparedness, please visit:  http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/Pages/winterdriving.aspx  

 

Know Before You Go: Call 5-1-1 or visit www.TripCheck.com for the latest real-time traffic updates and camera views of Oregon’s highways.

 

ODOT