County to install evacuation signs in preparation of possible flooding

In an effort to speed evacuation when floodwaters rise in South King County, the county will install evacuation signs on key roads in unincorporated areas beginning Monday.

King County Road Services Division crews will install the first of several evacuation signs at Orillia Road South near South 204th Street just off of Interstate 5.

County officials say many homes and businesses in the Green River Valley that don’t typically see Floodwater - including parts of Auburn, Kent, Renton, Tukwila and unincorporated King County - should be prepared to evacuate this winter. Seepage from an earthen bank next to the Howard Hanson Dam has reduced capacity to hold back water during periods of prolonged heavy rain - and that has increased the risk of serious flooding.

If evacuations do become necessary, King County and other jurisdictions want to make sure residents know the quickest and safest passage away from areas considered vulnerable to flooding. In the coming days, county crews will install 27 blue and white signs with directional arrows along 11 roads in unincorporated areas.

A map of roads that have been identified as evacuation routes in the Green River Valley will be posted online at www.kingcounty.gov/transportation/flood beginning Monday Nov. 2.

Metro has identified a revised bus service plan for about 30 regular routes when service can no longer be operated due to flooding. However, service on some existing routes may be suspended until roadways can be reopened. That’s why transit customers are being encouraged to identify backup travel plans as part of their pre-flood planning. They can learn more about these transit service alternatives by visiting www.kingcounty.gov/metro next week.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read.