Vancouver Residents Need to Use Caution During Storms

Persistent deicing keeps main Vancouver streets clear; caution urged on slick side streets‏.

Vancouver PD patrols the streets Courtesy: vpog.org

(VANCOUVER, Wash.) - Persistent deicing by Public Works street crews have kept main Vancouver roadways wet and clear, despite freezing temperatures that have created slick side streets in areas throughout the city.

The City of Vancouver's round-the-clock storm coverage continues, with crews working 12-hour shifts to keep core streets safe.

During the day and throughout the night, crews have fanned out across the city to apply an effective ice-cutting sodium brine to slick overpasses, steep slopes, major arterial streets and critical connections between police, fire and hospitals.

Thursday evening, a messy combination of snow, quickly dropping temperatures and thick traffic caused some temporary trouble spots on the east side of Vancouver. Traffic was halted briefly on Southeast 192nd Avenue, north of state Highway 14, while deicing trucks took over the lanes. By applying granular deicer, followed by liquid deicer, Public Works crews were able to turn what had threatened to be an ice rink into plain wet pavement within about 15 minutes.

Though main routes within the City of Vancouver are reported to be in good shape as of 6:00 AM today, drivers should be alert to possible icy spots and drive with caution on slick side streets.

The slick conditions will prevent regular garbage and recycling collections today in Vancouver. Residential customers with regular Friday service should watch for additional instructions on when to expect pickup of garbage and recycling materials.

In the event of snow, Vancouver street crews clear streets as quickly as conditions and resources allow, concentrating on the city's top priority – connections between hospitals, police and fire stations. In severe winter weather conditions, priority route clearing is a process that repeats itself again and again, typically allowing no time or resources to plow residential streets.

Vancouver Public Works asks drivers to be patient and remain a safe distance from deicers, snow plows and other equipment working to keep streets safe.

Property owners are responsible for keeping adjacent sidewalks free from snow and ice under Vancouver Municipal Code. Those who can are urged to lend a helping hand to elderly or disabled neighbors, clearing sidewalks, preventing plumbing problems and helping ensure safety during inclement weather.

With more frigid temperatures forecast, Vancouver reminds water customers to check and protect water pipes.

To report a problem with City of Vancouver streets or water, please call Public Works Operations at 360-696-8177. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 911.

For the latest City of Vancouver information, please visit cityofvancouver.us. The following online resources are also available to help answer questions and submit requests related to streets, water, garbage collections and more:

• Streets: cityofvancouver.us/streets
• Water: cityofvancouver.us/water
• Garbage and Recycling: cityofvancouver.us/solidwaste
• Public Works Service Requests (water, sewer, and drainage services, streets and traffic controls within the City of Vancouver): cityofvancouver.us/AtYourService, click on Service Requests.
• Fire Prevention: vanfire.org To report power outages, please contact Clark Public Utilities' PowerLine at (360) 992-8000.