Oregon Prepares for More Winter Cold

Transportation officials warn of more cold and ice expected to challenge road crews‏.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Mayor-Elect Sam Adams was joined today by ODOT Region 1 Director Jason Tell and TriMet Director of Transportation Operations Peggy Hanson to report on the state of the city and the region due to today's severe winter storm. While some spots around the metropolitan region have very little snow cover, others have 3-6 inches. According to Adams, City Maintenance Operations crews will work around the clock to do their best to clear streets, bridges, and overpasses. The severe weather patterns forecasted by both national and local meteorologists will make this job tough. Even more severe, biting cold and more snow appear to be on the way. Adams reported that the City scheduled additional shifts for Friday night and through Saturday night before the storm hit the region today. Since 7:00 AM this morning, City transportation crews have been in full callout, which entails two 12-hour shifts in a 24-hour period. They expect to remain in full callout throughout the duration of this major winter weather event. City and ODOT crews have been applying anti-icing chemical and snow and gravel to streets and highways to break down the ice and facilitate plowing. A look at ODOT's traffic cameras and a glance out your home's window will find streets and highways more icy than clear. Adams said, "These severe winter weather storms are very challenging for us due to the variable moisture and the impact of East winds, creating wide variations in snow depth." Adams also explained – and Tell agreed – "Ice is ice, whether it's one-quarter inch thick or three-quarter inch thick. It's dangerous. Don't drive on it if you don't have to." Even a four-wheel drive vehicle with studded tires and chains won't make it up an icy hill or freeway ramp. Two City of Portland snow plows ended up in ditches today because of the extremely icy streets. Tonight's operations will include de-icing streets, bridges, and overpasses as temperatures drop and crews have a dry window of opportunity to apply chemicals. Adams noted, however, "In temperatures as cold as we're experiencing in this storm – well below freezing and with a wind chill factor that makes it even colder – our anti-icing and de-icing chemicals have a limited effect. These chemicals, as well as salt, aren't as effective in temperatures under 20 degrees." Because the bitter cold limits what road crews can do, the region's streets are likely to be icy all week, and especially hazardous if the city receives more precipitation. All forecasts are pointing in the direction of prolonged cold and more snow and ice. The City of Portland and ODOT advise motorists to stay tuned for local weather forecasts and check web sites for information on travel alerts and transportation service alerts. Check ODOT's TripCheck.com for highway road conditions and weather outlooks. Use the "Portland Winter Travel Info" link to connect to local winter travel information, safety tips, the City's Snow & Ice Plan, and other emergency preparedness and response information for your home and family. The primary advice is to stay home if possible. If you must get out, take transit. If you must drive, use chains. Within the city limits of Portland, chains are currently required on West Burnside and Sam Jackson Road. Because ODOT's chain requirement on highways is still in effect, Portlanders need to be aware that State highways do run through Portland city limits. These facilities include 82nd Avenue, Powell Boulevard, Lombard Street, Barbur Boulevard, NE Sandy Boulevard (outer east side), and Macadam (Hwy 43). Because everyone is a pedestrian at some point in the day if traveling, the City reminds walkers to be especially cautious crossing the street and to be mindful of ice on sidewalks. Hanson of TriMet reported that crews are working to keep pathways, transit centers, and MAX light rail platforms clear and safe to walk on. Although MAX light rail trains do pretty well in these drier cold condtions, TriMet advises bus riders to expect 20-minute delays. Buses are restricted to 25 mph when chained, and bus segments in the higher elevations are on snow routes. Hanson reminded riders to plan accordingly and dress warmly. Visit TriMet.org for trip-planning assistance. The City will continue to monitor areas all around the city tonight for temperature changes, precipitation, wind, snow accumulation, and ice, with particular emphasis on known hazard areas in higher elevations on both the west and the east sides of the city. As soon as possible, the City advises residents and businesses to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice. Maintenance of sidewalks, by City Code, is the responsibility of the adjacent property owner. Portland Street Closures These closures remain in effect this evening: 1. SW 30th Avenue from Vermont downhill to Beaverton Hillsdale Highway 2. NE Wisteria from 39th to 41st Avenues 3. Germantown Road Winter Driving Tips 1. If you must drive, consider delaying your trip until road conditions are better. Give yourself extra time. 2. Use chains or keep them in your vehicle and know how to put them on. Within the city limits of Portland, chains are currently required on West Burnside and Sam Jackson Road. 3. Drive slowly. Steer and turn slowly. Brake gently. And stay off the brake on ice. 4. Leave plenty of room to stop safely. Leave at least three car lengths between you and the vehicle directly in front of you. 5. Drive carefully and watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. Source: Portland Bureau of Transportation