Crews from regional agencies worked throughout Thursday and overnight plowing, putting down sand and deicer and clearing area freeways of abandoned vehicles. So, is it safe to travel Friday?
The first factor to consider is that although no new precipitation fell overnight, morning temperatures Friday were in the low 20s to mid-teens across the Portland/Vancouver area. Any “wet” spots left from Thursday are likely frozen. Early commuters reported ice patched on various interstates including Interstate 205 in the Gateway area, Interstate 84 near 33rd Avenue, and on some lanes of U.S. 26 between Beaverton and Hillsboro.
The Oregon Department of Transportation warned of icy road conditions early Friday with ice, snow, and slush on major roadways.
As of 7 a.m., ODOT has closed Northwest Germantown Road from U.S. 30 to near Skyline Boulevard for snow removal.
The second factor is extreme wind chill temperatures. For those who intend to use public transportation, dress warmly, in layers, and check your route schedule before heading out. Bus or MAX delays could be dangerous to those who are effected by extremely cold temperatures.
How is public transportation doing?
TriMet reports steady progress in its recovery from this historic winter storm. Crews have been working all hours to get riders to their destinations, clear facilities and tracks, and to remove stuck buses.
Some routes have been suspended Friday due to road conditions. Bus routes 1, 18, 22, 26, 39, 43, 51, 55, 63, 65, 68, 80, 81 84 and 156 are not in service.
MAX trains may be delayed due to operator shortages and will operate at slower speeds Friday. Some bus lines may be using tire chains, which also requires a reduction in speed.
Both the eastbound and westbound elevators serving the Sunset Transit Center were out of service early Friday.
Check trimet.org/alerts to get line-by-line information about service.
TriMet’s Customer Support Center in Pioneer Courthouse Square will be closed Friday.
C-Tran reports road conditions have led to service adjustments:
- All Express routes are providing service to the Delta Park/Vanport MAX station only.
- The Vine is being served by 40-foot buses. Passengers should board at the designated location adjacent to each station. Turtle Place station and the Fort Vancouver Way & Fourth Plain westbound station are closed.
- Routes 6 and 32 are on snow route.
- Route 37 is not serving Stop ID 1251 (Mill Plain and Grand westbound) until further notice.
- Route 47 is suspended.
- Routes 60 and 71 are not serving Broadway & 7th Street.
- The Current is not serving the Prune Hill area in Camas/Washougal. All other service zones are operating normally.
Visit www.c-tran.com for details.
Regional road conditions/closures:
Washington County reports three roads with snow zones activated. Drivers must use traction devices on these roads:
- 175th Avenue from Scholls Ferry to Rigert roads
- Barnes Road from 118th Ave to the county line
- Cornell Road from Cedar Hills Boulevard to the county line
Also Leahy Road is closed for downed trees and power lines from 101st-107th avenues
For a list of roads with closures or blockages in the Portland area, visit: portland.gov/transportation/weather/winter-weather-road-closures-and-chain-advisories
This post will be updated
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