As winter approaches, Portland Public Works Deputy City Administrator Priya Dhanapal, Transportation Director Millicent Williams and regional transportation agencies advise the public to prepare for the potential snow, ice and other severe weather conditions that the season may bring.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) hosted an annual winter preparedness news conference on Tuesday morning. Agencies gathered at PBOT's Albina Yard, part of the agency's emergency response headquarters, to discuss how they prepare for winter weather and what the traveling public needs to do to be prepared.
Transportation agencies are the leaders for emergency response for all kinds of weather events.
Executive leaders, emergency responders and snowplow operators from PBOT, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), TriMet, and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) were on hand to discuss what the agencies do to keep people safe when winter weather strikes.
With the City of Portland's transition to a new form of government, this is the first winter the City has a City Administrator overseeing all bureaus.
Public Works Deputy City Administrator Dhanapal, who oversees PBOT, the Portland Water Bureau and the Bureau of Environmental Services, spoke at the news conference at Albina Yard.
"I want to thank our PBOT maintenance crews and our regional partners for the work that they do year-round, and for the especially difficult work they and our do in winter weather," Dhanapal said. "During winter storms, crews from PBOT and our regional partners work night and day, in challenging conditions, to make our routes passable for the traveling public. When it snows, we also need the public's help. Make a plan today for how you and your family can stay off the roads and give our crews the space they need to make our snow and ice routes passable. We need to work together and help each other. One of the best things you can do to help your neighbors is to be ready to clear your sidewalk. Your neighbors need your sidewalk to be passable in the snow, so they can take public transit instead of driving."
"In winter weather, PBOT crews are the first responders for the first responders," Williams said. "We make roads passable for TriMet buses, as well as police, firefighters and paramedics. We update our routes every year to make sure we are plowing streets that provide access to hospitals and to emergency shelters. We need everyone to take responsibility now to make a plan for snow and ice, to keep your family safe. With smart planning and personal responsibility, we can all do our part to help everyone get home safe."
PBOT is the lead agency for the City of Portland's winter weather response. PBOT encourages everyone to make plans for severe weather today. View preparedness tips and resources at Portland.gov/winter
Get to know the Winter Weather Center, which has maps of PBOT snow and ice routes, maps with links to traffic cameras and maps showing areas at high elevation (500 feet or 1,000 feet above sea level). During snow and ice events, it provides real-time tracking of snowplows and other winter response trucks on city streets, as well as weather forecast and road closure information.
Regional transportation agencies are prepared
ODOT advises the public to get ready for winter conditions and visit tripcheck.com for the latest on road conditions, chain restrictions, and other winter travel information on state highways and interstates.
“Please watch out for our transportation workers," said Geoff Bowyer, Region 1 Emergency Manager for ODOT. "We’ve already had snowplows hit this winter season. Never pass a snowplow on the right or follow them too closely. I cannot stress enough, please slow down, pay attention, obey the law, and move over.”
ODOT also reminds motorists to stay with their vehicles if they are stuck or stranded as abandoned vehicles will be towed.
"TriMet is geared up for the season ahead, and we encourage our riders to do the same," said Inessa Vitko, TriMet Executive Director of Transportation. "Plan ahead, give yourself extra time, dress for the conditions and always check trimet.org/alerts before you go."
WSDOT crews are ready for winter weather, but we need the public’s help. To reduce delays and road closures, travelers should be ready for winter driving conditions. Check weather and road conditions before you head out and never check from behind the wheel. Receive real-time travel information via the WSDOT mobile app or by visiting our real-time travel map.
If you see a snowplow, slow down and give it space so crews can clear the roads safely. Patience is key as our teams work around the clock to keep major routes like I-5, I-205, SR 14 and SR 500 open during winter storms. Our crews take great pride in their work and often live in the areas that they service.
"Winter weather can be tough for all of us and we need everyone to do their part to keep the roads safe," said Andy Chandler, WSDOT Snowplow Driver and Highway Maintenance Worker. "We ask travelers to please be patient and give us plenty of space while we work. We're out there for long hours in tough weather conditions, and our main priority is everyone’s safety. If you see a snowplow, slow down, increase your following distance and only pass when it's safe. A little extra caution helps everyone get home safely."
Source: Portland Bureau of Transportation