City of Kent officials outline snow and ice response plan

Published 11:19 am Tuesday, November 24, 2015

City officials say Kent is ready for winter weather with enough sand, de-icer and salt on hand to get through two, four-day storms.

According to the city’s streets superintendent Bill Thomas, every effort is made to reduce the safety threat due to snow and ice on Kent’s 360 miles of roadway.

“It’s critical for public safety,” Thomas said.

Thomas says the city’s snow and ice response plan identifies streets that are essential to traffic movement, and those are cleared on a priority basis.

The response plan is as follows:

• Weather service as our guide

Kent’s subscription to a weather service provides daily reports on current and upcoming weather concerns. Its 24-hour monitoring system informs us of changing weather patterns that might affect road conditions. With these reports, crews can be ready for upcoming storms within two hours.

• Road crews and equipment inventory

Two, 11-person crews are available to respond 24-hours per day. They have access to eight snow plows, of which seven have sanders, two de-icer trucks, two road graders and seven variable message boards to be placed in anticipation of major road closures.

• De-icing the tough spots

When notified of a pending storm, at 4 a.m. a two-person crew starts applying de-icer to bridge decks, overpasses and other known problem areas to prevent icy conditions.

These applications do not guarantee that all roads will be free of ice. Drivers still have to be cautious when driving in freezing weather. To alert drivers to freezing conditions, reflectors alongside the approaches to seven bridges turn to a blue reflective color when temperatures drop below 32 degrees.

Anti-Icing Routes Map

The following bridges are de-iced:

Benson Hwy (SR-515) crossing Garrison Creek

Col. Joe Jackson Bridge

Lake Meridian Br.

Meeker St. Br.

Riverview Blvd. Br. at Veterans Drive (228th corridor)

Washington Ave. Br.

108th Ave SE crossing SE 277th St.

S. 196th St. from 72nd Ave. S. to 81st Ave. S (196th Corridor)

S. 200th St. Br.

S. 208th St. Br.

S. 212th St. crossing the Green River

S. 228th St. grade separation over the Burlington Northern Railroad

S. 277th St. crossing the Green River

Sanding priorities

Priority Level 1 – Arterial roads on hills – Due to their steep grades, and the fact they are major commuter routes, these roads are sanded first, followed by Priorities 2 and 3:

S. 208th St.

S. 272nd St.

S. 277th St.

Canyon Dr.

Military Rd.

Reiten Rd.

Reith Rd.

Veterans Dr.

Priority Level 2 – Approaches to major intersections – one lane in each direction on selected major routes and King County/Metro Transit winter storm bus routes as soon as there is a significant lull in the storm.

Priority Level 3 – Residential collector roads – roads that connect to residential areas to arterial roads may take up to 3 days to complete, unless police, fire or medical services request help.

Snow and Ice Route Map

Home and business owners are responsible to clear away snow from all walkways adjoining their property

The city does not have the manpower to remove snow from any sidewalks.

Abandoned Vehicles will be removed

Abandoned/illegally parked vehicles will be towed immediately when the vehicle is blocking the regularly travelled portion of the roadway. Be sure vehicles are equipped for travel during snowy/icy conditions before venturing out. Report abandoned vehicles by calling Kent’s non-emergency number, 253-852-2121.

Stay informed

Visit DriveKent.com to get the latest information on road closures.

Follow city of Kent Facebook and Twitter accounts for updates.

Tune in to Kent’s traffic radio at 1610 AM

For general questions, call 253-856-5600  during normal business hours.