City of Kent releases weather, road update

The city of Kent released the following statement Wednesday morning about what residents can expect next as the snow goes away.

With the thaw starting, you are going to see potholes developing all over Kent. Your help in identifying where they are will be invaluable, so continue to report them online, email PWOps@kentwa.gov or call 253-856-5600. Crews will be responding to requests along primary and secondary routes on Wednesday before moving onto other roadways.

Here are some of the questions we’re hearing:

• Is the city ready for what’s next?

We are working with our vendors to replenish our snow and ice materials in preparation for the freezing temperatures that are expected this week and the chance for any additional snowfall we may get.

• Why is that road still closed?

South 218th Street between 98th Avenue South and 93rd Avenue South and 93rd Avenue South from South 218th Street and South 220th Street remain closed. Crews are working to reopen those roadways as soon as it is safe to do so, but conditions are still too icy to allow our plows in to clear them. We will continue to monitor the conditions and open them as soon as possible

• Why are there road closed signs along roadways?

We are pre-deploying signage throughout the city in preparation for predicted snow and ice events, so if you see them on the sides of roadways, please leave them there. Having them pre-deployed allows us to quickly and efficiently close roads that become too icy to travel on.

• Freeze you say?

In anticipation of freezing temperatures Wednesday night, we will have staff coming in the early morning hours to evaluate and monitor primary roadways, deploying anti-ice methods and closing roadways as needed.

• What can you do?

• Help each other: We encourage residents to clear snow and slush off catch basins grates and, if possible, to clear a one-foot swath along gutter lines, so the melting water has room to flow to the catch basins.

• Keep an eye out: Report potholes and water over roadway sightings at 253-856-5600 or via email to PWOps@KentWA.gov. After hours reports can be made by calling 253-856-5600 and selecting option 1 to reach dispatch.

• Stay informed: If you have not already done so, please sign up for email alerts at gov/econnect and check Drivekent.com for the latest traffic alerts and road closures.

Please continue to be patient with us as we will be blocking lanes of traffic and working in the roadways. Help keep our crews safe by driving slowly and carefully around them; a friendly wave is always appreciated!