For life threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1 right away. If 9-1-1 is not working, call the Renton Police Department's non-emergency number at 425-235-2121 and provide your information.
Winter Preparations
Go behind the scenes as the city's street maintenance crews prepare for winter weather.
Pre-treatment
Before snowfall lands on cold streets, city crews stand ready to apply anti-icer to prevent snow from sticking, making it easier to plow.
Priority Routes
Priority routes are arterials, secondary arterials and collectors, bridges, schools, hospitals and fire stations and are first to be pre-treated with anti-icer to help keep ice and snow from bonding to the pavement, allowing quicker snow removal through plowing. Trucks are assigned to a specific location in the city and follow a priority mapping system for that area.
High Volume Areas
Streets that receive a high volume of traffic such as NE 4th, Sunset, Benson, Talbot, Carr Road, school routes and the main access roads to Renton Hill and West Hill are first priority for anti-icer pre-treating plowing and sanding. During peak commute hours, these streets receive the most attention because sand dissipates quickly on well-traveled roads. Secondary arterials such as Union and Duvall are plowed and sanded next and the residential areas receive attention when the primary and secondary routes are completed. During severe weather conditions, high priority areas are sanded approximately four times during a 24-hour period.
Hospitals
The emergency entrances to Valley Medical Center and Group Health are maintained by city crews and are a first priority during snowfall. Crews carefully document each street after it has been plowed and sanded, recording the date, time and condition. These vehicles are also equipped with GPS tracking.
Problem Areas
Problem areas that are called in by police, citizens, or other city departments are handled by priority and truck availability.
Impacts on Collections
Road conditions may also impact garbage, recycling and yard waste collection routes in Renton. Hauler trucks are heavy and the City and contractors are concerned with public safety. Find out more information about winter weather impacts on garbage and debris removal below.
Be Cautious
City crews do an excellent job of keeping the streets of Renton sanded for residents. Many accidents are caused by excessive speed for the road conditions. It is important for citizens to be cautious at all times, as road conditions can change quickly and drivers must beware.
In extreme conditions, you are advised to travel only in a situation that is urgent or an emergency. If you see a city snow plow or de-icer truck, please stay back and clear.
Emergency Instructions
Drive safely, please, and watch your step! Accidents of all kinds are more likely to happen in this kind of weather. Check on others who might need help.
If your power is out, dress in layers and stay dry to stay warm. For food safety, avoid opening your refrigerator door unless absolutely necessary. Additional information on getting through a power outage is available from Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light.
For life threatening emergencies call 9-1-1 right away. If 9-1-1 is not working, call the non-emergency number at 425-235-2121 and provide your location information.
To get the most current emergency instructions for your area, sign up for ALERT Renton.
Utilities
Water
Sewer
Electricity, Gas, and Power
Garbage and Debris Removal
- Inclement weather conditions may prevent collection of garbage, recycling and organics. Should this occur, please remove your carts from the curb at the end of the day and follow the guidelines below.
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Recycling and garbage carts will be collected on Saturday immediately following the missed collection, road conditions permitting.
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Organics will be collected on the next regularly scheduled collection day the following week.
For more information please visit our Solid Waste Utilities division.
Roads
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To report roads blocked by fallen trees or abandoned cars, call the Renton Police non-emergency number at 425-235-2121.
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Planned road closures are posted on the Impact Traffic Report page.
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See Renton snow routes for plowing and sanding information. Plowing is complete on primary roads, and crews are wrapping up on plowing secondary roads. Some roads cannot be plowed because cars are in the way.
Weather
- For current weather alerts and information in Renton see the National Weather Service seven day forecast.
Bus Services
- Disruptions to regular bus and transportation services are posted by King County Metro.
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