City Shuts Roads Due to Snow and Ice
A map of Mercer Island's hilly streets and roads (as of 9:30 a.m.) show what's closed due to snow and ice.
Due to the heavy snowfall overnight and continuing this morning, Mercer Island Police have barricaded several roads that are deemed too icy and hazardous to drive on.
The following is a list of road closures, as of 9:30 a.m. Wednesday:
Snow Barricades/Road Closures:
- SE 24th St @ 76th Ave SE
- SE 24th St @ 72nd Ave SE
- Shorewood Dr @ NMW
- Shorewood Dr @ bike & ped trail
- Gallagher Hill @ SE 40th ST
- Gallagher Hill @ NMW
- SE 53rd PL @ EMW
- SE 53rd PL @ ICW
- SE 70th @ EMW
- 9100 blk SE 68th ST (where it turns into SE 70th )
- SE 72nd @ WMW
- SE 72nd @ 78th Ave SE
- SE 68th ST @ 82nd Ave SE
- SE 68th ST @ WMW
- SE 40th @ WMW
- SE 40th ST @ 76th Ave SE
- 72nd Ave SE by Roanoke
- SE 44th ST
In response to the weather event that is forecasted for today and tomorrow, here are some helpful tips and links that can provide the current status of roads and weather.
Safety Tips:
- Consider options now for travel, staying off the roads if possible.
- Move cars off streets, if possible, to aid with snow removal.
- Check on neighbors, especially the vulnerable.
- Wrap pipes and outdoor faucets to prevent ruptured pipes and flooding inside homes.
- Turn faucets to a slow drip to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Be careful how they choose to heat or light their homes. Open flames and unattended candles are dangerous. Do not bring open stoves or gas grills inside as the fumes can be poisonous and deadly.
- Find and Clear Street storm drains. Snow followed by rain can clog drains and cause flooding.
- Have coats, hats, gloves and blankets at hand to stay warm during possible power outages.
- Bring pets indoors.
- Only call 911 in a life-threatening emergency.
The following is a directory of non-emergency help lines: http://www.kingcounty.gov/LinksByZip
Businesses and residents are reminded to keep their sidewalks clear to help pedestrians walk safely. Pedestrians should be cautious on snow or ice covered surfaces.
Helpful Links:
Current weather status: NWS current advisory for King County
King County homepagewww.kingcounty.gov/prepare (safety tips, shelter locations, school closures)
Metro’s snow page www.kingcounty.gov/metro/snow
King County Road Services Division's snow and ice plan:http:www.kingcounty.gov/roads/snowandice
WSDOT: Seattle/Puget Sound Area Traffic
Mercer Island snow and ice plan.
For further information contact Officer Franklin at 206-793-8646 or jennifer.franklin@mercergov.org
