Bellevue city crews worked through the holiday, plowing, sanding and de-icing the city’s already snow-covered roads. They are working on neighborhood streets in advance of resumed garbage collection beginning Monday, Dec. 29, weather permitting. Crews also will keep priority arterials passable and try to get to other neighborhood routes, if possible.
Allied Waste Services, the city’s contractor, will pick up all extra garbage, recycling and yard debris when service resumes and is asking residents to please make sure containers are free of snowpack and that cars are not blocking where trucks need to navigate for pickup.
With warming temperatures and rain forecast, city officials are asking citizens to help by clearing storm drains in front of homes and businesses of snow and ice or debris, if possible, to avoid flooding once the snow starts to melt and rain begins.
Mike Jackman, Utilities Operations and Maintenance assistant director, said crews will continue to work to stay on top of changing weather conditions. Crews started plowing roads on Dec. 12 when snow first appeared. Since then, a foot or more of snow has fallen in some parts of Bellevue.
“Our crews worked round the clock through the holiday and will continue working until the snow and ice are off streets, and we’re sure the threat of flooding has passed,” Jackman said. “We know the continued snow, missed garbage collection, and change in plans due to weather conditions have been a challenge for residents and businesses in Bellevue, and we really appreciate the patience and support we have received from the community.”
Drivers should remain extremely careful, stick to priority arterials when possible and watch for ice, compact snow, and possible deep water over roadways as snow melts. To report hazardous road conditions, call the Utilities 24-hour emergency number 425-452-7840. See snow response priority arterials at www.bellevuewa.gov/pdf/Transportation/snow_response_priorities_map.pdf
Jackman noted that downtown streets and priority arterials are clear, but drivers should continue to take it slow, the number one action to enhance safety in winter driving conditions.
Drivers who cannot navigate a road should make every attempt to move their vehicles completely off the roadway. Parallel park as close to the curb as possible if you must park on the road. Don’t park sideways on the road or in an intersection. If you have to leave your car, place your phone number visible on the dashboard. Abandoned vehicles may be towed. To avoid being impounded, return to your vehicle as soon as practical.
