Transportation Superintendent Jimmy McClure leads a team of 38 Hillsboro Public Works Department staff who work to maintain City roadways and ensure Hillsboro is winter-ready. Jimmy McClure, Transportation Superintendent, standing with anti-icing truck
We sat down with Jimmy, who has served the community for the past seven years, to hear how Public Works staff have prepared for the upcoming winter weather season, where the City will focus snow and ice control efforts, and what Hillsboro residents and businesses can do to prepare for the season.
Is the City prepared to respond to snow events and freezing temperatures at any moment?
We are ready for the winter season! We’ve already inspected and readied our winter weather equipment portfolio of backhoes, vehicle chains, chainsaws, and wood chippers. We also have readied three dump trucks, four sanders, four plows, and two de-icing units.
We have held equipment and winter operations plan refresher trainings and restocked necessary supplies, including sanding rock and more than 13,000 gallons of anti-icing solution. We carefully monitor weather forecasts and, whenever a winter weather event arrives, we are ready to mobilize staff, equipment, and other resources. Crews are prepared to work around the clock, if needed.
Which roads will be the focus of the City’s response during a winter weather storm event or emergency?
City streets providing access to critical facilities, emergency services, and major highways, as well as hills, dips, curves, and bridges will be our priority to treat and clear during a winter weather storm event or emergency.
Neighborhood streets are not serviced except in extreme circumstances and only after clearing priority routes. A map of the anti-icing and sanding/snow plowing routes is posted on the City’s Severe Weather webpage.
How does the City partner with the County and State during large weather events?
Hillsboro has an intergovernmental agreement with Washington County, as well as a partnership with the Cooperative Public Agencies of Washington County Consortium, both of which provide mutual support, response, and equipment sharing during extreme weather events.
While many roads within the City of Hillsboro are maintained by us, most of the larger roads are maintained by the State or the County. On those roadways, the State or County lead the snow and ice response and we back them up by plowing roadways, if we are already on our way over to another City street.
What steps does the City take to improve conditions on snowy or icy roads?
We follow a tried-and-true practice to combat snowy or icy roads. First, we will monitor weather forecasts throughout the season. When inclement weather is forecasted, we will then identify and deploy a solution that matches the risks that the forecasted weather may create. Depending on the event, we will either apply anti-icing solution or sand/gravel at intersections, hills, dips, curves, and other problem areas to improve traction during and after snow fall or use snow plows to remove accumulating snow.
Our process of monitoring the weather and then deploying solutions that match the forecasted weather has proven to be a very effective way to address snow and ice on Hillsboro roadways.
What can residents and businesses do to be winter-ready?
This is a great question. Before snowstorms and extreme cold hit, we suggest learning how to shut off your home water valve in case of a pipe break and winterize your vehicle with traction devices, snow shovels, and an emergency kit.
During a winter weather event, we highly encourage travelers to stay safe at home, especially when driving conditions are questionable. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. If you must leave home, consider using mass transit. Before getting on the roads, fill your tank, check weather forecasts and road conditions by calling 5-1-1 or visiting www.TripCheck.com, let someone know your travel plans, and give yourself plenty of extra time.
Also, residents, businesses, and property owners are responsible to keep all of the sidewalks adjacent to their property clear from snow or ice, as many Hillsboro community members rely on walking as their primary way to get around.
What contact numbers do I need to have on hand?
To report an urgent problem with City of Hillsboro streets, flooding, or downed trees, call the Hillsboro Public Works Department at 503-615-6509 (during business hours) and 503-629-0111 (after hours).
Report water emergencies to the Water Department at 503-615-6702 (regular business hours) and 503-615-6775 (after hours pager). To report a downed power line, call Portland General Electric at 800-544-1795.
In case of a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.
Original source can be found here.
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