Skip to main content

Press Releases

  1. News
  2. Press Releases
  3. Release

Montgomery County Department of Transportation Prepared for First Winter Storm of the Season; Snow Removal Operations Revised to Keep Staff Safe During Health Crisis

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, December 15, 2020

The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) is preparing for the approach of a significant winter storm that is expected to begin in the early morning hours of Wednesday, Dec. 16, and continue through Thursday morning, Dec. 17. MCDOT is activating its virtual Snow Operations Center Tuesday morning, when staff will be reporting to depots to begin pre-treating roadways.

The National Weather Service is calling for as many as 10 inches of snow in the northern parts of the County and five to seven inches in the down County with temperatures in the high 20’s to low 30’s.

Typically, MCDOT staff, crews and contractors eat and sleep at the depots until all roads are clear. This year, because of COVID-19, changes to procedures have been made to mitigate the spread of the virus, including:

  • Limiting the number of staff permitted inside depot facilities.
  • Prohibiting non-essential staff or contractors inside depot facilities.
  • Erecting barriers within the depots to provide isolated and socially distanced areas where staff can rest and eat.
  • Permitting no passengers in vehicles/plows.
  • Mandating masks while in depots.
  • Making the Storm Operations Center (SOC) entirely virtual.

Due to these circumstances, normal service times may be impacted. Crews will respond as quickly and as safely as possible.

The County’s plan for treating roads includes:

  • 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. 
  • Crews begin plowing the roadways once three inches of snow have fallen to protect roads and plow blades. MCDOT initially clears emergency, primary and arterial routes to ensure emergency vehicles have access to every household. Trucks then begin making neighborhood streets passable. Find out more online. 

The County’s online Winter Snow Portal is a valuable resource providing information on County storm response, treatment, plowing status, delays and closures. Updates and other information will also be available on:

Residents are asked to call 9-1-1 only in a true emergency, such as downed live power lines. The police non-emergency number is 301-279-8000.

Residents should know how to stay safe by preparing for winter storms and what to do during and after a storm. Learn more on the County’s website.

Below are some basic safety tips for drivers and pedestrians:

Drivers

  • Watch AAA’s short video Driving in Wintry Conditions.
  • Drive slowly. Stopping distances increase in poor weather conditions.
  • Stay alert for pedestrians walking in the roadways, especially when visibility is low.
  • Be especially alert for pedestrians at intersections where snow mounds may limit sight lines.

Pedestrians

  • Be aware that cars may not be able to stop as quickly on snow and ice.
  • Walking in the roadway can be dangerous. Do not assume vehicles can see you. Wear reflective clothing.
  • Watch for icy and slick spots.
  • Wear shoes or boots with non-slip soles.

E-scooters and Shared Streets: MCDOT has asked e-scooter companies to remove them before the snow begins to fall and return them once it is safe to do so. MCDOT contractors are also removing Shared Streets barriers before the storm, replacing them once roadways have been cleared.

Snow shoveling: 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. Learn more and 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. That way, there is less to remove. 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 it easy and take breaks. If you run out of breath or feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.

To keep animals and pets safe:

  • Look out for pets during periods of cold weather by bringing them indoors.
  • 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 301-279-8000.

# # #

Release ID: 20-780
Media Contact: Hannah Henn 240-777-8389
Categories: Snow, Transportation