Preparations Underway for Winter Travel
Transportation crews across the region gear up for snow and ice while reminding the public to plan ahead, stay informed, and travel safely.
With winter weather fast approaching, transportation agencies across the Portland–Vancouver region are shifting into seasonal operations and urging the public to begin preparing now for snow, ice, and rapidly changing travel conditions.
ODOT, the Portland Bureau of Transportation, county road departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency responders, and utilities have all begun their winter-readiness work. For ODOT crews, that includes the ability to move into 12-hour shifts to maintain around-the-clock coverage during significant storms.
Officials say the most important tool for winter travel is simple: information. They are encouraging Oregonians to resume the practice of checking weather forecasts and road conditions before heading out, even for routine trips.
Key winter-travel reminders include:
Check weather and road conditions before every trip.
Allow extra travel time whether driving, biking, walking, or using public transit.
Carry warm clothing, tire chains, emergency supplies, and know how to use them.
Keep vehicles and bicycles well-maintained for winter conditions.
Avoid GPS detours onto unmaintained or unsafe roads.
Consider alternative transportation options such as transit or carpooling.
Stay home or reschedule travel when conditions become severe.
On Wednesday, ODOT hosted a winter-preparedness news conference at its Sylvan Maintenance Office, bringing together regional partners to outline their response plans and emphasize shared responsibility.
“Portland's transportation bureau and our regional partners are ready for winter weather, but we need the public to take action today,” Portland Mayor Keith 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.”
Transportation agencies also stressed the importance of staying alert around road crews, especially snowplows working long hours in hazardous conditions.
“Winter weather can be tough for everyone, and we all need to do our part to keep the roads safe,” said WSDOT Highway Maintenance Worker and snowplow operator Wes Oatfield. “Give snowplows plenty of space to work, slow down, increase your following distance, and pass only when it’s safe.”
ODOT Region 1 Manager Rian Windsheimer noted that recent transportation funding means operations should remain on par with last winter. However, strong storms can still outpace even the best preparation.
“Severe storms can overwhelm crews working around the clock,” Windsheimer said. “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.”
Transit agencies, including TriMet, are also ready to adjust service when needed.
“We're focused on getting you where you need to go — safely,” said Mary Hill, TriMet Executive Director of Transportation. “We have equipment, supplies and training to help tackle winter weather, but whenever conditions require, we will adjust service to keep everyone safe.”
As winter approaches, agencies encourage residents to review winter safety basics—from learning how to install tire chains to preparing to shelter at home during extended storms.
Winter-travel resources are available through multiple regional agencies, including:
ODOT: Real-time highway conditions and winter-travel tips via TripCheck.com and the ODOT Winter Travel Guide.
WSDOT: Real-time maps and updates through the WSDOT mobile app and real time travel map.
PBOT: Snow routes, cameras, elevation maps, and winter guidance at Portland.gov/winter.
Cover image: ODOT, Flickr