Transportation agencies in the Portland-Vancouver area are preparing for winter and encouraging the public to take steps to ensure safe travel during severe weather. Agencies involved include the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Portland Bureau of Transportation, county transportation departments, law enforcement, emergency responders, and utilities.
Officials recommend that travelers check weather reports and road conditions before heading out. They also advise allowing extra time for trips, being prepared with warm clothing and well-maintained vehicles or bicycles, carrying tire chains, and knowing alternative routes or modes of transportation. Travelers are reminded not to rely solely on GPS maps for detours since some roads may not be maintained in winter.
If weather conditions become severe, authorities suggest staying home and rescheduling travel plans. Public transit options or carpooling can serve as alternatives when driving is unsafe.
ODOT is hosting a news conference at its Sylvan Maintenance Office with regional transportation agencies to discuss preparations for winter and encourage residents to do their part. Portland Mayor Keith Wilson emphasized community involvement: “Portland’s transportation bureau and our regional partners are ready for winter weather, but we need the public to take action today,” Wilson said. “Make a plan for how you will get your family home safe when snow or ice are in the forecast. Portlanders always show up for each other, and winter is a time when you can help your neighbors by being prepared to shovel your sidewalk and help your neighbors with theirs.”
Wes Oatfield from WSDOT highlighted safety around snowplows: “Winter weather can be tough for everyone, and we all need to do our part to keep the roads safe,” Oatfield said. “We ask travelers to please be patient and give snowplows plenty of space to work. We’re out in tough weather conditions for long hours, focused on our main priority – safety. If you see a snowplow, slow down, increase your following distance, and only pass when it’s safe. A little caution goes a long way in getting everyone home safely.”
Rian Windsheimer from ODOT pointed out that funding from the legislature allows ODOT to maintain last year’s level of winter operations but cautioned about severe storms: “Thanks to the transportation funding package passed by the legislature, ODOT’s goal is to maintain winter operations at the same level as last winter,” Windsheimer said. “Remember that severe storms can overwhelm crews working around the clock, so sometimes it’s better to reschedule your trip than risk getting stuck in snow or ice – or behind vehicles that are stuck or abandoned. Use TripCheck.com to prepare for trips or know when to stay off the roads.”
Mary Hill from TriMet noted their readiness while acknowledging potential service adjustments: “We’re focused on getting you where you need to go — safely,” Hill said. “We have equipment, supplies and training to help tackle winter weather, but we know Mother Nature is a formidable opponent. Whenever conditions require, we will adjust our service to keep everyone safe.”
Agencies provide resources such as real-time road condition updates through TripCheck.com, travel tips via ODOT’s Winter Travel Guide, live information from WSDOT through its mobile app or real-time map at WSDOT Real-Time Map, as well as PBOT’s Winter Weather Center offering route maps and traffic cameras at Portland.gov/winter.
