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FAQ
How does the City select the streets that will be pre-treated and cleared during a storm?
The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) worked with King County Metro this summer to ensure that our snow removal routes match their bus snow re-route network. Our goal is to maintain clear roads for the buses, and preserve access for people and goods on the busiest arterials and connections to the regional transportation system. SDOT worked with the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Fire Department, universities, hospitals and major employers to align our routes with the most important needs of the community. In advance of a predicted snow storm, SDOT crews pre-treat these routes.
Why does SDOT use salt and salt brine?
Salt and magnesium chloride are industry-standard snow-fighting materials. Adding salt lowers the freezing point of water, and so has the effect of melting snow and ice. Because of the rarity of snow in our region and the amount of rain we get, this salt is diluted to the point that it doesn’t have a negative impact on our lakes, streams and receiving waters. SDOT worked with the environmental scientists at Seattle Public Utilities to check all environmental rules and regulations and to model the impact of using salt for snow-fighting, and SDOT received an environmental green light.
Additional information:
Who is responsible for clearing the snow off sidewalks and driveways?
Residents and business owners are responsible for clearing their driveways and the sidewalks next to their property, including adjacent bus stops
What kind of communication takes place among the state, county, and city?
SDOT works together with state, county, and city agencies as well as Metro Transit, Community Transit, Sound Transit and the Seattle School District. Managers from these agencies meet each year to plan how they will coordinate their work. During snow and ice events they assist each other, and their dispatchers share information by phone and fax.
For more information, call (206) 386-1218.
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