Thursday, January 11, 2024

MCDOT's Go Montgomery! SNOW EDITION Newsletter


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County Storm Response Based on Forecast

County storm responders begin their job well before snow is predicted to fall. MCDOT 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 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.

Use 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. Salt bine is applied when the storm is predicted to begin as snow or ice.

At the start of a storm, storm patrols monitor road conditions and measure pavement temperatures around the County. This information is consistently reported to the SOC to ensure treatments are used only where needed.

If 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 about 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 200 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.


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Montgomery County and WSSC Water Urges Everyone to be ‘Salt Wise’ and Use Less Salt During Winter Storms to Reduce the Impact on the Environment and Drinking Water

The Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), MCDOT and WSSC Water held a media event at the Rockville salt barn earlier this month urging homeowners to be “Salt Wise” and use less salt on sidewalks and driveways during winter storms.

Salt runs off into storm drains, local streams, and eventually, to the Potomac and Patuxent rivers which are drinking water sources for residents in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Salt can corrode concrete and masonry, harm pets, damage surrounding plants and lawns, and adversely impact the water supply. Salt levels have been steadily increasing in local streams. Once salt gets into waterways, it does not go away.

Find out what steps MCDOT is taking in their storm response to reduce salt usage and how residents can help


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Ride On Bus Service During Winter Storms

Need 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 XTwitter or Facebook for service announcements related to the weather.


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Look out for MCDOT's Painted Snowplows

MCDOT held its second Paint the Plow Middle School Snowplow Naming Contest this past May, in honor of “Public Works Week.” 

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. Last year’s winners can be seen online here.

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MCDOT Snow Removal Operations

The 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 about 5,300 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.


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Winter Storm Reminders

Drivers:

  • 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.
  • Fill your gas tank before the storm.
  • Charge your phone before you go, and have a car emergency kit including blankets, a flash light, extra warm clothing, an ice scraper, nonperishable snacks and water.  

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 Responsibility

County 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.

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Who Plows Where?

MCDOT plows County-maintained roadways, public parking garages and lots located in downtown BethesdaSilver Spring and Wheaton.

Other agencies that handle snow removal and laying salt include:

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.


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Information on Snow Emergency Routes

Both 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.


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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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montgomerycountymd.gov/mcdot

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JANUARY 2024

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Follow snow removal progress by visiting MCDOT’s Snow Portal or follow @MCDOTNow on FacebookX or Instagram.

Tag @MCDOTNow in your snowstorm-related photos.  


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Be in the Know During Storms

Residents can stay updated during storms by:

  • Visiting MCDOT's Snow Portal website.            
  • Signing up for Alert Montgomery for updates by email and text.
  • Following MCDOT on X.
  • Watching County Cable Montgomery, Channel 6 for RCN Comcast subscribers and Channel 30 for Verizon subscribers, provide continuous updates on roadway conditions and transit services.

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View These One-Minute Videos to Answer the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Snow Removal

These informative videos contain key information about what to expect during snowstorms.  


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Service Requests

The MC311 County informational call center can answer questions and handle requests for service like downed trees that may block a county road.

You can reach MC311 by calling 311 in the County or 240-777-0311, 711 for MD Relay TTY , from anywhere, Monday - Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Questions can also be asked or requests made of MC311 through their website. Often, MC311 will remain open for extended hours during periods of emergencies. Otherwise, residents can call the police non-emergency number 301-279-8000 or 911 if there is an emergency.


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Please Use Caution Around Snowplows

  • Don’t crowd the plow. The front plow extends several feet in front and may cross the centerline and shoulders.
  • Don't tailgate or follow too close behind a snowplow.
  • Don’t travel next to a plow, if possible. The packed snow or snowdrift can move the truck sideways.
  • Plows turn and exit the road frequently. Give them plenty of room.

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Learn More About How to Prevent Hypothermia

The County’s updated Hypothermia Alert webpage has more information on steps to take before and during extreme temperature conditions. 


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Do You Know the Difference Between a Winter Weather Advisory, Watch or Warning?

The National Weather Service issues winter alerts. Know the difference between a warning, a watch and an advisory.  

  • WARNINGTake Action.
    A Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant combination of hazardous winter weather is occurring or imminent.
  • WATCHBe Prepared.
    A Winter Storm Watch is issued when there is the potential for significant and hazardous winter weather within 48 hours. It signifies that significant and hazardous winter weather is possible.
  • ADVISORYBe Aware.
    A Winter Weather Advisory will be issued for any amount of freezing rain, or when 2 to 4 inches of snow (alone or in combination with sleet and freezing rain), is expected to cause a significant inconvenience, but not serious enough to warrant a warning.

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Emergency Numbers

The power utilities serving Montgomery County are Pepco, BG&E and Potomac Edison/First Energy. Each has a downloadable mobile app for reporting power outages. They also can be contacted by phone.

Water

In case of water main breaks or other issues, contact the  Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission at 301-206-4002 or email EmergencyCallCenter@
wsscwater.com.

Recycling and Trash Collection 

For updated information about the collection schedule during snow storms, sign up for email or text updates, or follow Solid Waste on X.

Down Trees

Report downed trees on the public right-of-way by contacting the County's Call Center by calling 311 or online.  If downed wires are sparking, call 911.

Police

Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency: 301-279-8000

Residents are asked to call 911 only in a true emergency, such as downed live power lines. 

MCPS Schools

Call: 240-740-3000
Spanish Hotline: 240-740-2845 (Línea Informativa en Español) or email askmcps@
mcpsmd.org.

WMATA (Metro Services)

Call 202-637-7000, visit wmata.com/alerts or follow on X for Metrobus and Metrorail service.

MDOT MTA (Maryland Transit Administration)

Call 410-539-5000, visit mta.maryland.gov/contact-mta or follow on X.