Roads update | Freezing temperatures and falling trees close roads in central Puget Sound | WSDOT

The following is the most current release from the Washington State Department of Transportation.

It’s the ice after the snow that’s creating the problems today in Puget Sound. Frigid overnight temperatures made driving very difficult this morning, and will continue to make driving difficult throughout the day.

Tree limbs loaded with snow are snapping and falling onto state highways all across King, Snohomish and Pierce counties. Many roads are closed due to downed trees. It appears it will get worse before it gets better.

“We haven’t seen trees come down like this in years,” said Chris Johnson, maintenance manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation, who’s been with the agency for 28 years.

“We had our crews out all night de-icing the roads. We threw everything we had at this storm – sand, de-icer, salt and plows. It’s so widespread that it’s been very difficult to keep up,” said Dave McCormick, regional maintenance manager for WSDOT.

The National Weather Service extended the ice watch until 2 p.m. today. Region-wide power outages are affecting the systems that power the WSDOT Seattle area traffic flow map and cameras.

As of 11 a.m., here is a list of the major closures:

• SR 18 closed between SR 164 and I-90 due to multiple downed trees for several miles.
• SR 202 closed between Fall City and Snoqualmie due to downed trees.

This will remain closed for several hours.

• SR 410 closed between SR 164 and the Federated Forest.

Skiers at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort will not be able to leave for a few hours.

• SR 900 closed at May Valley Road.
• SR 165 closed at 288^th Street in Carbonado due to downed powerlines and trees.
• SR 507 near Eastgate due to downed trees.
• SR 167 in Puyallup near 8^th Street

Earlier this morning, a WSDOT Incident Response Team member was injured while responding to a collision on southbound I-405 near the I-5 interchange. The worker remains at Harborview Medical Center with broken bones.

“We are concerned about the safety of our workers and drivers,” said McCormick. “We don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Drivers are encouraged to check the forecast and check conditions before they head out. Drivers should consider waiting a several hours before driving and putting off discretionary trips.

“We need drivers’ help. The more prepared you are, the better it is for everyone,” said McCormick.

Know before you go

• WSDOT offers several ways to get up-to-date weather, traffic and construction information before hitting the road.
• Carry chains and know the traction and chain requirements.

• Call 511. WSDOT’s driver information phone line provides real-time traffic, incident and closure information. Out-of-state callers can dial 1-800-695-ROAD (7623). TTY users can call 1-800-833-6388.
• Sign up for email updates and social media tools such as Facebook.
• Follow us on Twitter – @wsdot, @wsdot_traffic, @wsdot_passes, @wsdot_tacoma, @SnoqualmiePass.

On the road

• Overhead and roadside electronic signs provide emergency and incident alerts and point-to-point travel times in some Seattle-area locations during rush hours. Use roadside travel time signs to help judge the time to reach your destination.
• Highway advisory radios allow drivers to hear updates when the flashing lights along the highway are activated. Program 530 AM and 1610 AM on your radio before you leave and tune in when signs are flashing.
• Ask a passenger to use one of the many Mobile Applications available.

Hyperlinks within the news release:

• WSDOT Puget Sound traffic www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/seattle/
• WSDOT weather page www.wsdot.com/traffic/weather/
• WSDOT winter weather driving information www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter
• WSDOT online tools www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic
• WSDOT social media and mobile apps www.wsdot.wa.gov/Inform
• King County Metro metro.kingcounty.gov/