Washington state Department of Transportation (WSDOT) crews have been training and getting equipment ready for the upcoming winter season, according to a recent WSDOT news release.
WSDOT is asking the public to prepare as well.
Nearly 1,500 maintenance workers from Forks to Davenport have prepared for winter weather, stocked sheds with salt and equipment and inspected more than 500 snowplows statewide, the release stated.
Travelers are asked to plan ahead for snow and ice, including following WSDOT’s winter driving tips, available at https://tinyurl.com/bdvve237. If driving in winter weather, drivers are asked to use approved traction tires, which have a mountain and snowflake symbol and at least an eighth of an inch of tread.
Anyone traveling in mountain passes during winter should be prepared for storms and occasional pass closures. Most closures are due to poor driving behavior, including people traveling too fast for conditions, not leaving extra space between vehicles, failing to have proper equipment like tire chains, or driving distracted or impaired, according to the release.
“We need everyone to do their part to help keep our mountain passes and state highways open this winter,” WSDOT Maintenance Operations Manager James Morin said. “As we do every winter, crews will ‘swarm to the storm’ and shift staff and equipment to hard-hit areas based on pre-established priority routes.”
Travelers should prepare now to ensure their vehicle is ready for winter, and remember to slow down, allow extra space and be on the lookout for pedestrians, WSDOT stated.
Studded tires are legal for use in Washington state only from Nov. 1 through March 31. This applies to all vehicles in Washington, even those traveling from other states. No personal exemptions or waivers exist, the release stated. Studded tires do not count as chains when chains are required on a roadway, and drivers still need to install chains over studded tires to proceed in areas posted for chains.
WSDOT estimates studded tires cause between $20 million and $29 million in pavement damage to state-owned asphalt and concrete roadways each year.
People traveling into the mountains or driving in winter weather should carry tire chains to be prepared. Weather conditions can change quickly, and chains may be suddenly required on a route, the release stated. Drivers who fail to install chains when signs are posted risk a $500 fine.
Although some vehicle manufacturers recommend against the use of tire chains for certain models, that doesn’t excuse travelers from the state law. Chain requirements exist to help keep all traffic moving safely during extreme winter conditions. The Washington State Patrol provides a list of state-approved alternative traction devices on its vehicle and equipment webpage under “traction tires.” These approved alternatives can be used when chains are required.
WSDOT is staffed and ready for winter. Additional winter hiring is underway for both seasonal and permanent roles, especially for people with a commercial driving license. Visit www.wsdotjobs.com and search for “highway maintenance” for more information.
