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| ODOT pulls snow removal equipment from around the state to assist Portland area | ||
| 12/24/2008 | ||
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Snow removal operation to begin on I-5 To address dangerous deep, icy ruts on I-5, Oregon Department of Transportation crews will begin an ice and snow removal operation from Wilsonville to Portland this morning, beginning about 10 a.m. on I-5 northbound near the Baldock Rest Area at mile point 282. Crews will use multiple graders (large, slower moving pieces of equipment that scrape ice from the roadway) simultaneously to clear I-5. Crews and equipment from McMinnville, Salem and Eugene will be used to assist Portland area crews with the operation. Crews will travel north along I-5 to the Marquam Bridge. Depending on the conditions, crews may then treat I-5 southbound through the same area. The operation will take several hours, each way. Traffic will remain behind the graders, traveling at slower speeds while the equipment scrapes ice from the road surface. “This massive snowfall is creating unsafe conditions that, left unchecked, will cause crashes that block the highway,” said ODOT Director Matthew Garrett. “We understand that these operations can cause significant disruptions, but our options are very limited at this point. We need to clear these thick ice curbs that are forming between the travel lanes on I-5.” Drivers should expect delays on I-5. Chains or traction tires are still required in the Portland Metro Area. Drive with caution through the area, use alternate routes or avoid traveling, if possible. Please visit www.tripcheck.com for updates. Road conditions: http://www.tripcheck.com Winter driving tips: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/winterdriving.shtml Cable chain installation: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/COMM/tire_chain_video.shtmlhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8RVbDuyOcY # # ODOT # #
Media inquiries only: Christine Miles, Public Information Officer (503) 731-8265 (Portland) Adam Torgerson, Public Information Officer, (503) 986-2880 (Salem) Sign up for the ODOT Region 2 press release mailing list at: http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION2/contact_us.shtml |
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