‘Carry traction devices’ requirement extended in snow zones

As winter hangs on, Washington County is extending the “carry chains or traction tires” requirement in snow zone areas through April 15.

The snow zones are:

The “carry traction device” requirement is normally in effect November through March. But forecasts call for unusually cold temperatures and possible snow that could result in slippery road conditions.

“In the interest of traveler safety, we’ve decided to continue to require motorists to carry traction devices when traveling in snow zones through April 15,” said Keith Lewis, operations superintendent, Washington County Department of Land Use & Transportation Operations and Maintenance Division. “Given the forecast, it’s possible we may need to implement ‘traction devices required’ in snow zones if icy road conditions develop. After April 15, we hope to be able to lift all traction device requirements until November.”

The snow zone requirement extension is consistent with the ODOT and Washington State Department of Transportation decision to extend studded tire season through April 15 due to weather forecasts of snow in upcoming weeks. This is the fifth time in 16 years that ODOT has extended the studded tire season past March 31. Washington County snow zones

Washington County is committed to planning and protecting the uses of the land and to building and maintaining a great transportation system, balancing care for the natural environment, economic development, safety and community livability.