Portland Transportation Crews Monitor Weather System

If you must travel in a snow or ice event, please take transit when possible. If you must drive, consider delaying your trip until road conditions are better.

Salem-News.com

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Officials with the City of Portland say transportation crews continue to monitor the weekend weather system and they are prepared to gear up as necessary in the event of snow or ice.

Night crews have been working this weekend and will continue through Monday night applying anti-icing chemical to streets, bridges, overpasses, and potential problem areas according to standard plans.

Crews will continue to monitor areas all around the city for temperature changes and snow and ice, with particular emphasis on known hazard areas in higher elevations on both the east and the west sides of the city.

In a snow or ice event, the City's limited resources are focused on the highest priority transportation facilities -- known hazard areas, bridges, and overpasses, arterial streets serving transit and emergency response vehicles, other arterials with high traffic volume, and critical intersections.

The City advises motorists, bicyclists, and pedestrians to be alert for black ice, particularly in shady areas in higher elevations. Black ice is ice that remains on roads that are not getting direct sunlight. Although it is almost invisible, it will make a road look like shiny new asphalt. Be especially careful when driving your car into shaded areas and slow down during your approach.

Everyone is advised to check road conditions before traveling. Check TripCheck.com for highway road conditions and weather outlooks.

Follow the Salem-News.com road report and weather page for information, or visit PortlandOnline.com and click on "Winter Travel Information."

If you must travel in a snow or ice event, please take transit when possible. If you must drive, consider delaying your trip until road conditions are better. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination.

Drive slowly.

Steer and turn slowly.

Brake gently.

And stay off the brake on ice.

Motorists are advised to be alert for pedestrians and bicyclists who are also traveling on slick, wet surfaces in low-light conditions.

Keep your vehicle prepared for winter weather. Carry chains in your vehicle, maintain your tires, and carry an emergency weather kit.