 County Storm Response Based on ForecastCounty snowstorm responders begin their job well before snow is predicted to fall. Highway Services staff track weather reports days in advance to determine if and when the MCDOT Storm Operations Center should be activated. Snow plow crews and truck mechanics at each depot are called to report in advance of a storm and if conditions are right, they may begin pretreating major roads with salt brine, a solution of salt and water. Salt brine prevents ice and frost from forming on pavement and makes snow removal easier. The use of salt brine also reduces the amount of salt needed to treat pavement following a snowfall. The laying of salt and salt brine is only done in specific conditions to ensure that excessive salt does not end up in local waterways. Often when rain is predicted, threatening to wash away treatment, salt will be withheld. At the start of a storm, crews patrol to monitor road conditions. Pavement temperatures are measured around the County so that treatments are used only where needed. When snow or freezing precipitation begins to cover the roads, and conditions are right, crews will spread salt on emergency and primary routes. Plows are ineffective until snowfall accumulations reach three inches. At that point, Highway Services starts plowing operations and continues salting, focusing on main roads and transit routes. During the snowfall, about 1,000 lane miles of main roads are kept in “bare pavement” condition. This ensures that every County resident is within one-half mile of a cleared road and can be reached by emergency services. It also means that when residents leave their neighborhoods, the main roads are ready to handle traffic. Once the snow stops falling and major roads are clear, crews turn their attention to removing snow from more than 4,300 miles of neighborhood streets. Their goal is to make these streets passable – not clear them to bare pavement. Crews eat and sleep at the depots and do not go home until snow removal operations are completed. MCDOT has 280 Highway Services employees and 175 pieces of equipment to handle snow operations. If more resources are needed, contractors can be called upon immediately to provide hundreds of additional plows and operators. During a snowstorm, residents can get the latest updates by visiting the County's Snow Portal website.  Ride On Bus Service During Winter StormsNeed to go out during a storm? Ride On buses run during most weather events and are on primary routes that are given priority by plows. Ride On bus drivers are well trained and take the hassle out of driving in a storm. Buses generally run regular service if snow is under 4 inches. At 4 inches, the MCDOT Director, Chris Conklin, together with the County Executive, decide if buses will operate on an S (Special) Service Plan. This is a reduced schedule in terms of the number of routes, span and frequency of service. If the snow is over 8 inches, the service may be reduced further. During a snow event, Ride On contractors clear nearly 800 bus stops and work to keep transit centers clear of snow and ice. Follow Ride On @RideOnMCT on Twitter or Facebook for service announcements related to the weather. |
 Look out for MCDOT's Painted SnowplowsMCDOT held its first Paint the Plow Middle School Snowplow Naming Contest this past May, in honor of “Public Works Week.” There were 14 entries from local middle school students. The contest is free for schools and is a unique and fun way to introduce middle school students to some of the work done by MCDOT. The decorated plows are a part of MCDOT’s snow-clearing fleet and are used in neighborhoods the following winter. The contest will run again this spring. Community members can visit MCDOT’s family-friendly “Truck Day” on Saturday, May 20 at the County Salt Barn, on Crabbs Branch Way in Gaithersburg, to cast their vote on the most creative painted plow. Last year’s winners and all entries can be seen online here.   MCDOT Snow Removal OperationsThe MCDOT Storm Operations Center activates for all major winter storms to track the storm and deploy an emergency response. Information from 311 and 911 is passed onto the depot staff and makes its way to the plow operators. Staff also tracks the storm and provides updated reports to other County agencies. MCDOT Highway staff start tracking forecasted storms several days ahead of the event and develops a plan. MCDOT is responsible for clearing snow from 5,200 lane miles of County-maintained roads, 60 miles of sidewalks along County right-of-ways and three miles of bike paths and trails. E-scooters: MCDOT asks e-scooter companies to remove scooters before the snow begins to fall and return them once it is safe to do so.  Winter Storm RemindersDrivers: - Avoid driving during storms if possible. If you have to travel, ride the bus. Ride On buses operate during most storms and are supported by emergency snowplows when needed.
- If you have to drive, drive slowly. Stopping distances increase in poor weather conditions.
- Equip your vehicle with snow tires or chains to reduce the risk of getting stuck, damaging your car, blocking traffic and snow removal equipment.
- Stay alert for pedestrians walking in the roadways.
- Be especially alert for pedestrians at intersections where snow mounds may limit sight lines.
- In advance of a storm, park vehicles in your driveway or as close to the curb as you can.
Pedestrians: - Wear bright, reflective clothing to ensure you will be seen.
- Watch for icy and slick spots.
- Wear shoes or boots with non-slip soles.
Keep animals and pets safe: - Pets should be kept indoors during periods of cold weather.
- Provide livestock animals with a place to get out of the wind and dry bedding to protect them from frostbite.
- The law prohibits endangering animals during unusually cold, windy or snowy weather. If an animal is outdoors and appears to be in danger, call 911 for emergency situations or the Police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000 for other animal-related issues.
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 Clearing Sidewalks of Snow and Ice - If You Own Property, It's Your ResponsibilityCounty residents are required by law to clear sidewalks in front of and alongside their properties within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm. Follow these tips: - Dress appropriately for winter weather. Ears, hands and feet need extra protection in frigid temperatures.
- If you can, shovel as the snow falls. It is easier to remove fresh snow that has not hardened or turned to ice.
- Put less pressure on your back. Lift with legs bent to avoid injury and try pushing the snow instead of lifting it.
- Pace yourself and take it slow. Shoveling can raise blood pressure and heart rate dramatically.
- Do not work to the point of exhaustion. Take breaks. If you run out of breath or feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.
- Be a good neighbor. If you are able-bodied, offer to assist your neighbors who are not able to, or would have difficulty, shoveling.
For more information on shoveling click here. |
  Who Plows Where?MCDOT plows County-maintained roadways, public parking garages and lots located in downtown Bethesda, Silver Spring and Wheaton. Other agencies that handle snow removal and laying salt include: - Montgomery County Department of General Services clears and salts County building lots, such as libraries.
- Maryland State Highway Administration is responsible for all state roads. These are typically numbered such as Rockville Pike (MD 355) and Georgia Ave. (MD 97), New Hampshire Ave. (MD 650) and River Road (MD 190).
Report issues on state roads online or call 800-543-2515 or 410-582-5650. - Montgomery Parks clears snow on roads, bridges and trails within local parks.
- Montgomery County Public Schools clears and salts sidewalks and parking lots on school property.
- WMATA clears and salts Metro stations and parking lots.
For any plowing requests or to report excess salt for cleanup, residents can call Montgomery County’s Customer Service Center by dialing 311 (or calling 240-777-0311 if outside the County). Residents can also visit the website at montgomerycountymd.gov/311. 311 Operators will route requests to the responsible agency. |
 Information on Snow Emergency RoutesBoth the State of Maryland and Montgomery County have designated certain roads as Snow Emergency Routes prominently marked with red and white signs. When the State and/or County initiates its 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. |
 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. For any parking-related questions email parking@montgomerycountymd.gov. |
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