How We Keep Roads Safe During Winter Weather
When winter storms hit, our Transportation Maintenance team is ready. As soon as we get a storm forecast, we divide our crews into two 12-hour shifts to provide around-the-clock coverage across Clackamas County. Our goal is simple — stay ahead of the weather and keep roads as safe as possible for everyone who needs to travel.
Our Road Maintenance Priorities
With over 1,400 miles of county roads across nearly 1,900 square miles, we have to focus our efforts where they make the biggest impact. Here’s how we prioritize:
- High Priority: Major routes with moderate to heavy traffic and steep residential roads.
Examples: Beavercreek Road and Sunnybrook Boulevard. - Medium Priority: Smaller collector roads and local streets with lower traffic.
- Low Priority: Cul-de-sacs and remote rural roads. These are plowed when time, staff, and equipment allow.
Emergency access is always our top concern. After storms, cleanup takes time — sand used for traction can take weeks to remove — so we use it sparingly and prefer anti-icing materials when possible.
How We Prepare and Respond
Stocking Up
We keep equipment and materials ready at 18 sites across the county so we can respond quickly when storms roll in.
Preventing Ice
Before freezing weather hits, you might see trucks spraying thin lines of liquid on the pavement. That’s magnesium chloride, which helps prevent ice from sticking to the road.
Plowing Snow
Once snow reaches about 2 inches and keeps falling, our plows hit the roads — including connected bikeways. Separated bike paths aren’t plowed for safety reasons.
Clearing and Sanding
We plow, spread sand or de-icing chemicals, and repeat the process to improve traction as snow and ice break down.
Clean-Up
After storms, we sweep up leftover sand to make roads and bike lanes safer and protect water quality. This process can take several weeks depending on the storm’s severity.
How You Can Help
Don’t abandon your vehicle.
Cars left on the road block plows, emergency vehicles, and buses — and can be towed at the owner’s expense.
Clear your sidewalks and driveways.
Property owners are responsible for keeping sidewalks, driveways, and mailboxes accessible. Please don’t push snow back onto the roadway.
Prepare your car.
Use traction tires, snow chains, or studded tires (allowed Nov. 1 – Mar. 31). Practice installing them before you need them.
Drive smart.
If you must travel, plan ahead. Allow extra time, increase following distance, and keep essentials in your car — like water, blankets, jumper cables, and an ice scraper. Check road conditions before heading out at TripCheck.com.
Contact Us
- Transportation Maintenance: 503-557-6391 (Mon–Thu, 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.)
or email RoadConcerns@clackamas.us - After hours: Call the Sheriff/C-COM non-emergency line at 503-655-8211.
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