Snohomish County is grappling with the aftermath of a massive flooding event that has left its roads and infrastructure deeply scarred. Snohomish County Public Works teams have been dispatched to monitor the ongoing situation and to coordinate necessary road closures and subsequent reopenings. As the waters start to recede, the difficult task of assessing the condition of roads and bridges in unincorporated areas is underway.
According to a statement released by the county, the local road maintenance staff's preliminary focus will be on identifying potential issues with pavement integrity, embankment erosion, guardrail damage, and essential structural integrity of county roads and bridges. The reopening of the affected roads will be considered based on factors such as current water levels, the importance of certain transportation routes, evacuation necessities and overall road conditions.
Kelly Snyder, the Director of Snohomish County Public Works, emphasized the impact of the flooding, saying, "Water is a powerful force that has a great impact on our infrastructure." She assured that their team is ready to face these challenges, hinting at the complexities involved in repairing the damages.
The initial stages of repair have already seen action with a cleanup of a minor landslide on the Mountain Loop Highway near Shoofly. A worrying washout at Index Galena Rd, east of the site of previous repairs, will also require a thorough inspection before the scope of the necessary repairs can be determined. "Although roads might look safe after water has receded, subgrade damage and unseen structural issues could be extremely dangerous," Snohomish County Engineer Doug McCormick told the county's news release. He stressed the importance of road and bridge inspections, indicating that road closure signs would remain in place until safety can be assured.
The public is asked to adhere to road closure signs and to report any flooding or drainage issues they encounter to the county's road maintenance team. The fines for disregarding road closure signage are substantial, at $437, and such behavior not only poses risks to personal safety but also potentially hinders repair efforts. For the most up-to-date information on the status of repairs and current road conditions, community members are encouraged to visit the Snohomish County Department of Emergency Management’s Public Safety Hub online.
