 MCDOT Prepared for First Winter Storm of the Season; Snow Removal Operations Revised to Keep Staff Safe During Health CrisisMCDOT is preparing for the approach of a significant winter storm that is expected to begin in the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 16 and continue through Thursday morning, December 17. MCDOT activated its virtual Snow Operations Center Wednesday morning and staff reported to depots to begin pre-treating roadways. The National Weather Service is calling for 4-8 inches of snow in the northern parts of the County and 2-4 inches in the down County with temperatures in the high 20’s to low 30’s Learn more about how snow removal operations have been revised and other information to help prepare for storms.  Five One-Minute Videos Answer the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Snow RemovalThese informative videos contain key information about what to expect during snow storms:  To be more environmentally-friendly, MCDOT has explanded its use of salt brine.  When Snow or Ice is Predicted, MCDOT Springs into ActionMCDOT has 200 Highway Services employees and 175 pieces of equipment to handle snow operations. If more resources are needed, contractors can be called upon to immediately provide hundreds of pieces of additional equipment and plow operators. Learn more about how MCDOT tackles winter storms and read the FAQ's. Here’s the basics: - Before a winter storm begins, MCDOT will pre-treat primary and arterial roads with salt brine or salt depending on the storm profile.
- Generally, plowing operations do not begin until at least three inches of snow have accumulated on the road to protect both the road surface and the plow blades.
- Plowing operations first focus on keeping primary, arterial and emergency roads clear to ensure emergency vehicles can reach every home and business.
- Residential roads are tackled next with the goal of making them passable.
- Depending on how much snow falls, it may take several days before a plow can reach every street.
- MCDOT crews also clear 60 miles of sidewalks along County right-of-ways and three miles of bike paths and trails.
Residents are responsible for shoveling their own sidewalks.  MCDOT is responsible for clearing snow from 5,200 lane miles of County-maintained roads – but this doesn’t include every road in the County. Read more, or visit the County's Snow Portal to find out who plows your street. Some other agencies that also handle snow removal include: Montgomery Parks, which clears snow on roads, bridges and trails inside local parks. Montgomery County Public Schools, which is responsible for sidewalks and parking lots on school property. WMATA, which handles Metro stations and parking lots. Maryland State Highway Administration (which is responsible for roads that are numbered, such as MD355 and RT27). Report issues on state roads online or call 800-543-2515 or 410-582-5650. |
 Ride On Ride On contractors clear nearly 800 bus stops and work to keep transit centers clear of snow and ice. Follow Ride On on Twitter @RideOnMCT for real-time service announcements related to weather.  MCDOT trucks are ready to clear roadways.  Both the State of Maryland and Montgomery County have designated certain roads as Snow Emergency Routes and they are prominently marked with red and white signs. When the State and/or County initiates their snow emergency plan, it is illegal to park on these designated roads. Vehicles found blocking snow routes during an emergency may be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. State and County snow emergency plans may not be put into effect simultaneously, so pay special attention to news broadcasts when announcements are made. |
 During Snowstorms, When is Parking Free in County Garages?During a County Executive-declared snow emergency in Montgomery County, the MCDOT Director may announce that parking is free in County-owned garages and lots for the duration of the snow emergency. This helps get cars off the roads to aid plowing operations and overall safety. For on-street meters along non-snow emergency roadways, regular parking rates will continue to be charged. Look for real-time storm-related parking information on Twitter. |
 Clearing Sidewalks of Snow and Ice - If You Own Property, It's Your ResponsibilityClearing sidewalks within 24 hours after the end of a snowstorm is a civic responsibility that keeps our communities and neighbors safe – and it’s the law. Property owners are required to clear sidewalks in front of and alongside their properties. Be a good neighbor by clearing your sidewalks and assisting those in your neighborhood who may need help. Read more or watch video.   MCDOT Shared Streets Are Still Open This Winter For Recreation and ExerciseDuring a winter storm, Shared Streets barriers and signage will be temporarily removed to facilitate street clearing. Once the roads are clear, barriers will be erected again. Many local restaurants and businesses continue to rely on MCDOT’s Shared Streets program for curbside access and space for outdoor dining. Shared Streets temporarily adjust the uses of roadways to support activities such as biking, walking, outdoor dining and recreation. All in-street activity must comply with public health guidance during the COVID-19 health crisis. See the locations of Shared Streets and learn more at montgomerycountymd.gov/dot/sharedstreets.  Learn More About How to Prevent HypothermiaMontgomery County activates its Extreme Cold Plan when forecasted temperatures, and/or wind chill drops below 32 degrees in any part of the County. This creates a hazardous situation in which hypothermia and frostbite are likely. If you must spend time outdoors in frigid weather, wear layers and take extra precautions. Learn more at bit.ly/2JdmQ3C. FOR MEDIA Media inquiries about winter weather events, contact Hannah Henn at hannah.henn@montgomerycountymd.gov. View and download MCDOT's snow photo album at flic.kr/s/aHsmSQ5KDe.  | 
