SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash — Spokane County Public Works detailed its snow response plan and offered safety tips for winter driving and maintenance at a press conference on Wednesday morning.
County Commissioner Josh Kerns says the county is responsible for more than 5,100 lane miles of paved, gravel and dirt roads that they maintain.
"This winter, the county has a $4.5 million snow removal budget. With stockpiles of sand and deicer at the four road districts, our equipment fleet includes 38 snow-plows and sanding trucks, 34 graders and 4 deicing trucks," said Kerns. "During a major snow event, crews will first clear emergency routes and primary arterials before moving on to secondary arterials and residential neighborhoods."
The county also announced the purchase of new grader chains, grader blades and the addition of Sharq (Shark) blades, which are used when there is a thick layer of compact snow and ice on road surfaces.
"These blades chew through the coating of ice, making it easier for sand and deicer to work their way in and soften the ice so it can be scraped up," said Senior Director of Public Works Kyle Twohig.
The county reminds drivers to stay at least 50 feet behind snow plows and other snow removal equipment and to never pass these vehicles on the right.
The county also suggests that drivers keep supplies in their cars such as an emergency medical kit, a flashlight, a shovel, traction sand and blankets during the winter months.
For more about the county operations plan and to see snow plow activity maps, visit the Spokane County Public Works website.