Weather Travel Advisory: Black ice a possibility as temperatures drop
City of Portland advises travelers use extreme caution this afternoon/tonight
(November 13, 2014) – The City of Portland Bureau of Transportation strongly advises the traveling public to use caution this afternoon and evening as temperatures drop and the chance rises that black ice may form on sections of streets throughout the region.
Black ice can form when wet pavement freezes. Black ice is an extreme hazard for all travelers – the pavement looks wet, but is in fact icy and extremely slick. Black ice can form in pockets or on whole sections of streets or sidewalks.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation advises the public to travel with extreme caution this afternoon and tonight:
- If driving: travel slowly, leave extra distance between vehicles, brake gently, and look out for other vehicles, as well as people on foot or bicycle.
- If walking or bicycling: be visible, travel with care, travel slowly, be aware that any wet pavement can be icy, and be extra aware of vehicles around you.
The Portland Bureau of Transportation is advising that vehicles traveling on West Burnside and SW Sam Jackson Road use chains. It has also activated two chain up areas: on West Burnside near 24th Avenue and at the foot of SW Sam Jackson Road.
The city urges motorists to not abandon their vehicles in chain up areas or in travel lanes, as has happened in previous storms. Abandoned vehicles block traffic and impede emergency vehicles and public transit. Any abandoned vehicle is subject to being cited and impounded.
The transportation bureau continues to operate under an incident command structure, which means crews are operating on 12 hour shifts and responding to weather conditions as they arise.
Transportation crews are prepared to apply deicer on slick streets or sand as needed.. Deicing can prevent or minimize slick conditions and sand can add traction, but they are no substitute for traveling with caution.
The transportation bureau posts updates at its Twitter feed, @PBOTinfo and offers a variety of safety tips on its web site portlandoregon.gov/transportation and on PublicAlerts.org
Additional online weather tips are:
PublicAlerts.org - One-stop clearinghouse for alerts and weather information
Portland Bureau of Transportation
Snow and Ice resources
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/47307
Are You Prepared?
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/295492
Frequently Asked Questions
https://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/article/327886
TriMet
Plan your trip online and check for service alerts