Road Crews Prepare to Help Motorists Cope With Snow and Ice

Vancouver, WA -- If snow or ice hits roads in the unincorporated area this weekend, Clark County Public Works road crews will be ready to respond with de-icing and snow removal equipment.

The county will have three de-icing/pretreatment trucks ready to apply a salt brine solution before and during any weather event. Twelve plow and sanding trucks are also set up and ready to go to clear or sand main roads in rural and urban areas, according to Public Works Road Maintenance Supervisor Denis Ryan.

“We can increase the number of vehicles to 30 if conditions worsen,” Ryan said.

The county typically applies de-icing solution before storms hit if roads are dry. This helps prevent early ice and packed snow formation. Crews will focus on known problem areas such as hills, curves and busy intersections.

If needed, snow removal and sanding efforts will concentrate on highly traveled rural and urban roads first. Secondary roads will be cleared as time and equipment allows. Clearing is not expected on side streets and in residential subdivisions.

“Our objective is to create as short a distance as possible for people to reach a cleared road from their home,” Ryan said.

Heavy snow or ice may also cause trees and power lines to fall and obstruct roadways. People can call the Public Works customer service line at (360) 397-2446 to report those situations. This number is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week.