ODOT offers advice on how to be prepared for the CO snowstorm and how they prepared in advance
(Update: Adding video and ODOT comments)
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- With the arrival of snow, wind and in some areas a predicted blizzard rolling through Central Oregon Tuesday and Wednesday, the Oregon Department of Transportation is offering advice to travelers before hitting the roads.
We could see more near-zero visibility, high winds and plenty of of snowfall on the High Desert, especially near Mt, Bachelor, south of Bend on Highway 97, and the east slopes of the Cascades (La Pine and Sunriver).
“The specific blizzard warning, those conditions are going to be up more towards Mt. Bachelor or over the mountain passes and south Bend on 97," ODOT Region 4 Public Information Officer Kacey Davey said Tuesday. "So that's where we could see near zero visibility, really high winds and really a lot of snow falling in those areas. So if you can sit this one out, I really advise you do. So it's going to be a pretty intense storm.”
The No. 1 priority for ODOT in Central Oregon is U.S. Highway 97, as it sees the most travel, and the mountain passes.
In order to prepare for this storm Davey said ODOT “did do some pre treating of the roads, which means before the bad weather comes in, you put deicer down to try and keep the roads from freezing as long as possible. But we'll be out there fighting the fighting."
"Leave it to the expert drivers and our crews to try and keep the roads in as best shape they can for the people that absolutely have to go out,” she urged.
“If you do decide to travel or leave and drive around in this weather, really make sure you know what you're getting into. So look at Trip Check . You can see cameras not only here in Bend but all over the state to see what the conditions look like, where you're going to go and plan ahead" said Davey.
Make sure to use traction tires or chains, and pack an emergency kit. You never know when an accident or a fallen tree may delay your trip, so it's best, even crucial to be prepared for all situations.
In October, ODOT had announced reductions in winter services due to funding issues, but in December the decision was reversed after Gov. Tina Kotek committed $19 million to maintain the same winter maintenance service levels as last year.
ODOT reports 19 people are on the Bend maintenance crew during this storm. They’ll have crews out 24 hours maintaining roads 24/7 with plows, deicer and sand.
About $4 million of the added state money approved in December will replace 10 trucks primarily used for snow plowing. According to the governor's office ODOT has about 400 of the trucks, and many need repairs.
The state also reminds drivers of an important resource for checking road conditions through a series of statewide cameras. Of that additional state money, $8 million will cover the maintenance and deicer this year, while also removing an overtime restriction.
