Special Snow Edition - Go Montgomery!

Five One-Minute Videos Answer the Most Frequently Asked Questions About Snow Removal Montgomery County has produced five, short, videos that provide key information about what to expect during snow storms:  How MCDOT Responds to Snowstorms Reporting a Snow-Related Issue The Sequence for Plowing Streets Parking During a Snow Storm Requirements for Sidewalk Snow Removal Clearing Sidewalks of Snow and Ice - If You Own Property, It's Your Responsibility Clearing 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. Read more. Who Clears the Snow? 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 find out who plows your street by visiting the County’s Snow Portal. Numbered Roads are State Roads: Contact State Highway to Report Issues Report problems on State roads (numbered roads in the County) to the Statewide Operations Center online or by calling 1-800-543-2515 or 410-582-5650. Ride On "S" (Storm) Service Plan When severe weather or emergencies are expected to disrupt Ride On bus service on weekdays, Ride On has the option of operating under its “S” or Storm Service Plan. Learn more: English and Spanish.   Check for Ride On service interruptions. 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, lots and on-street spaces. Getting cars off roads enables faster snow removal. Check the Snow Portal or MCDOT’s website for announcements during storms. When Snow or Ice is Predicted, MCDOT Springs into Action 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 to immediately provide hundreds of pieces of additional equipment and plow operators. Learn more about how MCDOT tackles winter storms.  Be Prepared for Winter Storms: What to Do Before, During and After a Storm During winter storm season, learn what you can do to keep you and your family safe. Read more. Montgomery County Offers Cold Weather Information for Animals When it's cold, protect your pets by following these cold weather tips. Winter Safety Tips for Drivers, Pedestrians, Snow Shovelers and More Check these winter safety tips for drivers, pedestrians and snow shovelers and learn more about staying safe at home and in your car. Read more. December 17, 2018 Sign up to receive the latest MCDOT News! Click Here Winter Safety Tips Fires in the Home Ice & Cold Weather Avoiding Winter Fires in the Home Staying Active in Cold Weather 20 Ways to Stay Warm (and Safe) Car Checklist Winter Health Water Meters Winter Heating Winterizing Your Home  Fire/Carbon Monoxide Fire Extinguishers Get Updates Online at the Snow Portal One handy, online location provides information on the latest delays and closings, the status of plowing in your neighborhood, submitting a service request, or getting more snow-related information.  WHO TO CALL Call 311 (or 240-777-0311 if outside the County) for information about the status of County programs and services, to report unshoveled sidewalks or for other assistance. Or get information online. UTILITIES First Energy/Potomac Edison: 1-888-544-4877 BG&E: 1-800-685-0123 PEPCO: 1-877-737-2662 Downed Wires and Trees “Hot” or sparking wires: 911 Downed trees: 311 POLICE Police Emergency: 911 Police Non-Emergency: 301-279-8000 SCHOOLS Montgomery County Public Schools: 301-309-6277 (MCPS); Spanish Hotline: 301-230-3073 COUNTY SERVICESFollow snow removal progress on Facebook or Twitter. Library Branch Opening and Closing Status: 240-777-6500 Recycling and Trash Collections - for updated information about the collection schedule during snow storms,sign up for email and/or text updates, follow DSWS on Facebook and Twitter.

Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.

Go Montgomery! November 20, 2018

Holiday Season Marks Beginning of Dangerous Driving Period for Fatal Alcohol-Related Crashes The extended Thanksgiving holiday is one of the most heavily traveled times of the year. Thanksgiving Eve is also known as one of the busiest nights for bars and restaurants, making it an especially dangerous holiday for alcohol-related collisions. More. End of Daylight Savings Time Marks Dangerous Time for Pedestrians and Bicyclists Safety experts warn that the end of daylight savings time brings darker evening commuting hours, and is typically the time of year when crashes spike. Unfortunately, this has proven true with the County’s recent spate of pedestrian and bicycle collisions. Learn more about what is being done to curtail crashes through the County’s Vision Zero Plan and the region’s Street Smart campaign. MCDOT to Hold Public Workshop on US 29 Mobility and Reliability Study Meeting MCDOT invites the public to learn more and provide input on the US 29 Mobility and Reliability Study on Thursday, November 29 at the White Oak Recreation Center Social Hall. More. Street Smart Virtual Reality Challenge Teaches Safety and Awareness Washington area officials kicked-off the fall Street Smart campaign with a Virtual Reality Challenge. Street Smart is a regional pedestrian and bicyclist safety education and enforcement effort held every fall and spring. Read more.  See safety tips. Volunteer to Help Improve MCDOT’s Website MCDOT is redesigning its website and needs your help. If you are interested in commenting online about the website’s proposed organization, design elements and other aspects, sign up online. MCDOT appreciates your input! Traffic Calming an Effective Tool in Improving Safety Every year, MCDOT plans and completes dozens of traffic calming and intersection improvement projects to slow speeding traffic, including installing speed humps, traffic circles and curb extensions. The latest project under construction is a roundabout at the intersection of Kerry Lane, Glendale Road and Kerry Road in Chevy Chase. MCDOT’s BRT Groundbreaking Ceremony Featured in Passenger Transport The American Public Transportation Association recently heralded the start of construction for Montgomery County’s first Bus Rapid Transit line that will operate between downtown Silver Spring and Burtonsville. See full article. Washington Suburban Transit Commission to Hold Public Forums The Washington Suburban Transit Commission (WSTC) will be holding public forums in both Montgomery and Prince George’s counties to collect feedback on transit-oriented projects in the region. The Montgomery County forum is December 6.  Read more or learn about the WSTC.  November 20, 2018 Transportation Holiday Schedule for November 22, Thanksgiving Day County offices – Closed. Ride On – Sunday schedule. TRiPS Mobile and Commuter Store – Closed. Parking at public garages, lots, curbside meters – Free. See all County holiday schedule changes online. MCDOT Honors County Executive Ike Leggett MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh honored County Executive Ike Leggett for his dedication and commitment to strengthening Montgomery County’s transportation services. Wheaton Revitalization Project Update Next week, County Executive Ike Leggett and MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh will view the project’s milestone as the underground parking garage reaches ground level. Read more about the project’s construction and follow the progress in real time by viewing the on-site camera. Garage reaches ground level at Reedie Drive

Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.

Go Montgomery! October 30, 2018

Get There in a Flash: Groundbreaking Held for BRT on US 29 MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh joined County Executive Ike Leggett, Senator Chris Van Hollen, County Council President Riemer and other dignitaries at a groundbreaking ceremony for the County’s "FLASH" BRT, the first Bus Rapid Transit system. Opening in 2020, it will provide a reliable and affordable link between Silver Spring, White Oak, and Burtonsville. Read more and view photos. Leggett Addresses County's Preparedness to Handle Winter Storms County Executive Ike Leggett, MCDOT Director Al Roshdieh and MCDOT Highway Services Division Chief Richard Dorsey discussed the County’s readiness for the 2018-2019 winter storm season at the department’s annual Snow Summit. Read more and view photos. Public Invited to Provide Input on Possible Expansion of Dockless Bikeshare and Allowing e-Bikes and e-Scooters MCDOT seeks public input at one of three Town Hall meetings on the potential expansion of dockless bikeshare beyond the current pilot area in Silver Spring and Takoma Park. Input is also sought on whether to allow the use of pedal-assist, electric “e-bikes” and e-scooters. Read more. Community Service Day Bike Drive a Success This year’s MCDOT-sponsored bike drive collected 100 bikes as well as bike parts and helmets. MCDOT worked with Rockville Bike Hub and Bikes for the World. to organize the event. Volunteers from the organizations refurbish the bikes and ensure they are donated to low income residents in Montgomery County and throughout the world.  To Improve Safety, MCDOT Installs One of the First HAWK Pedestrian Signals in Maryland MCDOT has activated one of the first HAWK (high intensity activated crosswalk) pedestrian signals in Maryland on Muddy Branch Road at the intersection of Harmony Hall Road and King James Way. Read more. Ride On to Hold Public Hearing on November 15 About Proposed Service Change to Route 52 The public is invited to provide comments at a public hearing, online or by mail to MCDOT’s Transit Services about a proposal to extend Ride On Route 52 for selected trips to Our Lady of Good Counsel High School.  Read more. MCDOT to Hold Public Hearing About Possible Improvements for the MD 650/Powder Mill Road Intersection Public input is sought about proposals to improve the MD 650/Powder Mill Road Intersection within the White Oak area. Comments can be provided by email, mail or at the hearing, which will be held on Thursday, November 15 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the White Oak Community Recreation Center Social Hall, 1700 April Lane, Silver Spring. Read more. Planning Board Approves MCDOT’s Plan for a Capital Crescent Trail Surface Route in Bethesda (from Bethesda Beat) A plan to create a route to connect the Capital Crescent Trail at Bethesda Row with Elm Street Park was approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board. In 2019, MCDOT will construct separated bike lanes along Bethesda Avenue and Willow Lane from the intersection of Woodmont and Bethesda avenues to Elm Street Local Park. The development will provide a permanent alternate route beneath Wisconsin Avenue. Read full article in Bethesda Beat. MCDOT’s Lu Wilson Speaks at Future Link Career Day About Opportunities in the Department MCDOT’s Administrative Specialist Lu Wilson helped make Future Link’s Career Day a success for about 40 participants. She explained that career paths are not always a straight line, and learning is something that happens continually throughout one’s life. She related her personal experiences and described the wide variety of opportunities available in MCDOT. Learn more onlineabout Future Link, which provides mentoring and resources to first-generation, high potential young adults. MCDOT Transit Services Holds Ride On Bus Roadeo Transit Services held a “roadeo” competition for Ride On bus operators. Ten individuals and two teams of three drivers each participated this year by demonstrating their driving skills on an obstacle course. The winner, Guillermo Vasquez, will go on to compete in the International Roadeo, which includes operators from the U.S. and Canada, that will be held in Louisville KY in May 2019. Pictured from left to right are: MCDOT Transit Services Division Chief Dan Hibbert; Chief of Operations Mike Nesselt; Winner, Ride On Bus Operator Guillermo Vasquez; and Ride On Depot Chief Andre Lucas NHTSA Campaign Urges Public to “Make It to the Table: Don’t Drink and Drive this Thanksgiving Eve” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving is an evening associated with drinking and a big night for bars, so it is urging drivers to plan ahead for a sober ride home. NHTSA says the Thanksgiving holiday period is the deadliest holiday on roads. Read more. October 30, 2018 Tips For a Safe Halloween Trick-or-treaters will be coming out soon. Check out these safety tips to make sure you have a safe and fun Halloween. Read more. Update on Infrastructure Repairs MCDOT’s Highway Services is busily completing repair projects before winter temperatures halt work for the season, including: Wilson Lane, Bethesda, Concrete Repair & Replacement Merrimac Park, Bethesda, Subdivision Patching Project Dale Drive, Silver Spring, Concrete Repair & Replacement Fieldcrest Road Paving Project Club Hollow Road, Poolesville, Bridge Rehabilitation Springfield Subdivision, Bethesda, Permanent Patching/Resurfacing Project Memory Lane, Silver Spring, Drainage Project County Leaf Vacuuming Collection Begins Week of November 12 and Continues Through the End of December MCDOT’s Division of Highway Services will begin its annual collection of leaves in the vacuum collection district the week of November 12. MCDOT provides two collections on district streets during the fall. Read more. Capital Bikeshare Offers Free Rides on Election Day On Election Day, Tuesday, November 6, Capital Bikeshare is providing free use of its shared bikes to encourage everyone to vote. See details. Uber and Lyft Also Providing Free Rides on Election DayGet a free ride on Uber or Lyfton Election Day, with some restrictions. Reminder: MCDOT Sponsors WABA City Cycling Classes With the Washington Area Bicyclist Association, MCDOT is co-sponsoring classes designed to help bike riders feel more confident about riding in urban settings. The next class will be held November 3. Read more. Update on the Wheaton Revitalization Project The underground garage is approaching street level, as Level P0 (the topmost garage level) is well underway and expected to be complete in early November. Pepco relocations are complete with the exception of pole removal, and installation of underground Verizon conduits along Grandview Avenue is proceeding. Follow live project progress by viewing the online camera. View weekly updates online.

Go Montgomery is distributed by Montgomery County Government Department of Transportation.