Want to Know How Snowy Roads are in Tri-Cities? Check This Out

How can you check weather conditions on SR-240, I-182, and the Blue Bridge?

It's supposed to be a very cold couple of weeks, and any snow that may fall is expected to stick. I was caught off-guard a couple of weeks ago to find a blanket of white snow in my driveway and on the street leading up to Canal Drive.

I checked Tri-Cities road conditions before leaving.

Fortunately, I was not completely unprepared. Before I got ready to go to work, I pulled up my phone to find some "real-time" traffic cameras. They're updated frequently enough that you'll be able to make a good call about which major roads you want to take.

The City of Pasco has cameras on the Blue Bridge and I-182.

The big question most Tri-Citians have on a snowy day is, "How bad is the Blue Bridge?" The City of Pasco has made it easy for you to check on not just the Blue Bridge, but the major exits of I-182. Those exits are Road 68 and Road 100. You can view all of those cameras here.

People who drive on SR-240 can get fast results on traffic cameras, too.

The Washington State Department of Transportation has cameras that refresh around every two minutes. Tri-Cities commuters that take 240 to and from work can check weather and road conditions with ease. If you're concerned about the Blue Bridge roundabout, this camera will be useful. Personally, I take the Edison St. exit off of 240 to get home and I can check this camera whenever I want to get ready to leave.

Who knows what this winter has in stores for the Tri-Cities, but safe driving and access to free tools both go a long way to ensure you get to work safely and return to your family after you clock out.

Tri-Cities is in for a harsh winter.

In early January, I got stuck on Edison street after waiting on the Edison on-ramp off of 240 for close to twenty minutes. I was far from the only one getting stuck, too, as ice had made it difficult for traffic to move smoothly. Thankfully, some kind strangers that lived nearby helped push cars that couldn't get traction. Drive safely, drive slowly, and know what your route looks like before you leave.