December Storm Update – – Pierce County Road Operations

This morning the commute was slower than normal due to slush that remains on the roads. Temperatures are warming, and our crews are making excellent headway widening the snow corridor to prevent slush being tracked back into the traveled way. We are moving focus to secondary roads.

The forecast continues to predict more snow overnight tonight, but we are told to expect the snowfall to be wetter than we have experienced the last several days. This means we should be able to plow down to bare pavement more quickly. But we could also begin to see localized flooding where storm drain inlets are blocked by snow and slush.

We are keeping our forces on 12-hour AM/PM shifts as long as snow and ice conditions affect our roads. We will schedule only the minimal number of crew required to meet forecasted needs on Christmas and will call in employees to reinforce efforts if conditions are more severe than predicted. Once the snow begins to melt for good, we will move into pothole patrol and sweeping mode. I expect this transition to occur over the coming weekend.

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