Winter Weather Travel Advisory: Snow to impact Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning commute

Portland Bureau of Transportation sent this bulletin at 02/20/2018 02:15 PM PST

News Media Contact:
Dylan Rivera

Portland Bureau of Transportation
Cell: (503) 577-7534

dylan.rivera@portlandoregon.gov

@pbotinfo

Winter Weather Travel Advisory:

Snow to impact Tuesday afternoon, Wednesday morning commute

Parking amnesty in Portland's parking meter districts to begin at 3 p.m.

(2:15 p.m. Feb. 20, 2018) The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Tuesday, February 20 and continuing at least through Wednesday morning. Between 3 inches and 7 inches of snow is expected in the Portland area, with heavier snowfall beginning this afternoon that could impact the afternoon and evening commute.

The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) advises the public to avoid travel, if possible, or to take public transit. The traveling public should exercise caution on Portland roadways. Overnight freezing temperatures and additional snowfall overnight will also impact the Wednesday morning commute. PBOT crews are in 24-hour emergency operations and patrolling Portland streets to monitor conditions and treat roads as needed.

The Weather Service also warns that a second snow event could create hazardous traveling conditions on Wednesday night into Thursday morning.

The public is advised to monitor the weather at their homes and at their travel destinations as road conditions could vary throughout the city.

A parking amnesty will go into effect beginning at 3 p.m. today in Portland's parking meter districts. To encourage people to leave their cars legally parked and take alternate means of transportation out of the Central City, PBOT will allow cars to remain parked in City meter districts without penalty until noon on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 2018.

The City of Portland’s Snow and Ice Plan discourages private vehicle use and encourages public transit use instead. Plan ahead for your public transit commute by calling 503-238-RIDE (7433), visiting TriMet.org for bus and MAX light rail schedules and alerts or PortlandStreetcar.org for streetcar schedules and alerts. In snow and ice, plan for bus delays of 20 to 30 minutes. Know where your transit stops are before venturing out. PBOT provides tips for winter travel for people walking, biking or driving. Learn more at: https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/snow

Check www.PublicAlerts.org for breaking news and information on major service disruptions. Visit http://bit.ly/snowicepdx to learn more about how PBOT responds to snow and ice events in Portland.

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The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is the steward of the City’s transportation system, and a community partner in shaping a livable city. We plan, build, manage and maintain an effective and safe transportation system that provides access and mobility. Learn more at www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation

View our interactive map of snow and anti-routes.

Find out about: how to be prepared, street closures, plowing, anti-icing, sidewalks, towing and more.

These documents list the new steps PBOT has taken to help Portlanders prepare for stormy weather and get home safe.

CARRY CHAINS

During major snow and ice events, the City may issue a traction device requirement for West Burnside and SW Sam Jackson streets. Motorists will be required to have chains or other traction devices in order to drive on West Burnside starting at NW 23rd Avenue and Sam Jackson Park Road starting at SW Terwilliger Blvd.

At this time, motorists are required to carry chains when traveling on West Burnside and SW Sam Jackson Road. Should conditions warrant a traction device requirement, an area where people driving can apply snow chains will be provided. Electronic message signs will alert drivers at that time.

LOOK OUT FOR PEOPLE WALKING AND BIKING

Be watchful for pedestrians and bicyclists who are also trying to get around in hazardous, low visibility conditions. Share the Road safely and responsibly.

CARRY AN EMERGENCY WEATHER KIT

Carry an emergency weather kit in your vehicle to help keep you safe and more comfortable during long waits. Your kit should include chains, battery jumper cables, first aid kit, shovel, basic tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver and knife), blanket, extra clothing (hats, socks, boots, and mittens), flashlight, bag of sand, and cellular phone or CB Radio.

View additional winter weather travel tips here.

OUR MISSION

During a storm, PBOT crews will work 24/7 to ensure that on our designated snow routes there will be one lane in each direction that is clear and passable as soon as possible after the storm is over. That means that front wheel drive vehicles or vehicles with traction devices will be able to get through.

The City of Portland complies with all non‐discrimination, Civil Rights laws including Civil Rights Title VI and ADA Title II. To help ensure equal access to City programs, services and activities, the City of Portland will reasonably modify policies/procedures and provide auxiliary aids/services to persons with disabilities. Call 503-823-5185, TTY 503-823-6868 or Oregon Relay Service: 711 with such requests, or visit http://bit.ly/13EWaCg

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