With more than 1,900 lane miles of paved streets in the city, Public Works crews and equipment are strategically deployed to maximize the most effective and efficient response to winter conditions
VANCOUVER — Temperatures are dropping, and Vancouver Public Works crews, plows, deicers and trucks stand ready to roll should winter bring severe weather. The public is encouraged to be prepared, too.
With more than 1,900 lane miles of paved streets in the city, Public Works crews and equipment are strategically deployed to maximize the most effective and efficient response to snow, sleet and icy winter conditions. The department has 19 vehicles of varying sizes, including a large grader, capable of moving snow. Over half of those vehicles can also be quickly equipped with deicing applicators. City crews make their own deicing solution at mixing stations in both west and east Vancouver, and supplies are fully stocked.
During severe weather and emergencies, Public Works crews’ highest priority is keeping open and passable those major streets that connect police, fire and medical services. Next in priority are other arterial streets, selected collectors, snow bus routes, and key streets around schools and over hills. In addition, Public Works crews are on-call ready to assist Vancouver Fire, Vancouver Police and Clark Regional Emergency Services Agency (CRESA) when emergency access is needed to a specific site.
This critical effort in support of public safety is a constant job, night and day, particularly during long bouts of bad winter weather. Due to these demands, limited resources, and difficulties posed by multiple driveways and parked cars, neighborhood residential streets are not plowed or deiced.
Timing, coordination and preparation for whatever the weather brings are vital components of the city’s winter weather response. Once again, Public Works staff will be keeping a watchful eye on temperatures, precipitation and forecasts this winter, ready to provide a preventive layer of deicer should the potential for icy or slick conditions arise, as conditions allow.
Businesses and residents can help by making sure traction devices, snow shovels and emergency kits are ready in advance of being needed, while replacement supplies are readily available in local stores. Property owners are responsible for keeping adjacent sidewalks passable. Those who can are encouraged to lend a helping hand to elderly or disabled neighbors that may need assistance with sidewalks and other services during severe weather.
To view Vancouver’s snow route priority map, get winter weather tips, and stay informed during severe weather, please visit www.cityofvancouver.us/severeweather.
When severe, inclement weather strikes, look for updates to also be posted on Vancouver Public Works’ Facebook page (www.facebook.com/VancouverPublicWorks) and on Twitter (@VanPubWorksUS), as well as on Nextdoor and other City of Vancouver social media communications.
To report an urgent problem concerning city of Vancouver streets, signals or utilities, please call Public Works Operations at (360) 487-8177 and follow the prompts outside of regular business hours. In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Information provided by city of Vancouver.
