Page 10 - AnnualReport16-17
P. 10
New in FY 2017–18
Continued from page 6
Snow zones
Plows were running on both left roads throughout the In the wake of the FY 2016–17
primary and secondary plow Portland Metro area in bad harsh winter, Washington County
routes, with operators doing shape. For example, in FY 15– Department of Land Use &
whatever they could to assist 16, constituents submitted 238 Transportation staff took the lead
motorists and improve requests for pothole repair; in in implementing ‘snow zones’
driving conditions. FY 16–17 that number more than on three sections of roads.
doubled, jumping to 538 pothole
“At one point, one of our sanding service requests. Snow zones are areas
trucks was sent to assist a fire where motorists are required
truck that was unable to get up “We weren’t able do any chip to carry or use traction control
Labrousse Road,” Watkins said. sealing during the summer devices, such as chains, on or in
“Our operator had to back the because so many roads vehicles when traveling on these
truck down the hill in order to were beyond what a chip seal roads during periods of severe
spread sand so both our truck could repair,” said Keith Lewis, weather. Motorists who do not
and the fire truck had enough Operations Superintendent. comply with the snow zone
traction to get up the hill. We “The ice and snow took their requirements face citations
have a lot of stories like that.” toll on all the roads in our area. carrying fines up to $160.
We had to do significant road The snow zones are on:
Then there was flooding. repairs and asphalt overlays.”
At one point in January, nearly 1. 175th Avenue, between
50 roads in Washington County Vegetation crews scrambled for Scholls Ferry and
were closed or partially closed weeks to clear road shoulders Rigert roads.
due to flooding. Crews posted and rights-of-way of downed 2. Barnes Road, 118th Avenue
warning signs and barricades tree limbs and branches. to the County line, adjacent
to prevent traffic from traveling “We’re still finding areas where to a city of Portland
through flooded areas. Though there’s downed vegetation from snow zone.
it is illegal to move barricades winter storm damage,” Okazaki
or travel around them, there said. “And that’s after weeks 3. Cornell Road, Cedar
were at least two reported and weeks of clean up.” Hills Boulevard to the
incidents of motorists who County line.
drove into floodwaters and In July 2017, the sand shed
had to be rescued by was completely refilled. Visit snow-zones.com
emergency personnel. for more information.
“It took much more sand than
By March, the worst of usual to replenish our supply,”
the weather was over, but Watkins said. “Our shed was
the cleanup and repair work quite empty. We’re lucky the
continued. The severe weather storms ended when they did.”
7 | Building Community LUT Annual Report FY 2016–17
