PORTLAND, Ore. — With Portland in the midst of a week of freezing temperatures that have brought snow and ice to metro area roads, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) is sending out snow plows to help keep the roads as clear as possible.
If you're wondering where those trucks are now, the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT) has a map that shows in real time where each one is. The PBOT Get Home Safe Winter Weather Center also includes an updated road closure list, as well as an elevation map and a look at area weather cameras.
Most counties and agencies, including PBOT and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) prioritize roads that see the most traffic and are used by emergency responders and public transit. ODOT spokesperson Don Hamilton told the Oregonian that the agency prioritizes plowing all the interstates, U.S. 26 and OR 217.
PBOT spokesperson Hannah Schafer told KGW that Portland prioritizes plowing main emergency roads and public transit routes.
"We focus our snow and ice plows on main emergency roads around the city. We prioritize clearing the roads for our first responders first and foremost. And then we work to clear roads for public transit, so folks can use the bus if they can't drive. After that, we do try and address other roads, but we simply have too many streets in Portland to be able to treat them all," she said.'
On its snow and ice plan web page, Multnomah County said it prioritizes plowing "high-drift areas that tend to build up more snow due to wind and terrain." It provides service first to its Priority 1 roads, including "arterial system roads, the most highly traveled, where schools, fire stations, hospitals and other emergency services are located." Priority 2 roads are plowed when resources are available and once Priority 1 roads are deemed safe to travel.
Learn more about snow plow routes and winter response plans for counties and state and local agencies at the links below: