Updated Nov 2, 2009 - 4:05 pm
Evacuation plans in place for Green River Valley
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KIRO Radio
If the Green River Valley floods, you'll want to know the fastest way out.
King County is installing 27 blue and white signs along 11 roads.
"So they're aware of which of the main arterials are going to be helping them get out of the valley," said county roads director Linda Doughtery.
Seepage from an earthen bank next to the Howard Hanson Dam has reduced capacity to hold back water during periods of prolonged heavy rain. That's increased the risk of serious flooding from the river in the valley south of Seattle.
Doughtery said the county and the valley cities have developed a map of the best routes out of the flood zone.
King County said its crews will monitor unincorporated-area roads and close them if flooding makes them dangerous. They'll periodically open roads for residents to check on their homes and then continue to inspect damage to determine a permanent reopening schedule.
The county has developed a Road Alert Web Map for residents in unincorporated areas to monitor road conditions.
Metro Transit also has made plans to alter 30 bus routes if roads are closed by high water.
© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
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