Snow Information Update from Councilman Mel Franklin – March 21

Snow & Ice Control Update – Mar. 21, 2018

Storm Forecast

A wintry mix of light snow will continue with precipitation ending around midnight.  The low tonight will be 29 degrees with generally light winds with gusts up to 15mph.  There could be small additional accumulations on roadways and grassy areas. Thursday is forecast to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the mid 40s.

Road Conditions

All primary, major collector roadways are at 90% to 95% complete. All residential roadways are 50% to 55% bare pavement. Crews will begin to focus heavily on residential areas as the operation moves forward into the evening and overnight.  Residents and non-emergency personnel are encouraged to remain off the roadways so that crews can continue clearing the roads.

Bus Service

The Bus Transit Service will operate as scheduled with possible delays on March 22. Paratransit Service will provide Dialysis and Senior Meal Delivery services only.

County Snow Closures and Service Updates (Trash, Bus, Etc.): https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/AlertCenter.aspx?AID=County-Snow-Closures-and-Service-Updates-15

 

GENERAL SNOW & ICE INFORMATION (Keep for Current and Future Snow Emergencies)

When a snow emergency is declared, the Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) is responsible for providing “passable” conditions on a network of over 1,800 miles of county-maintained roadways to ensure the safety of residents, citizens, and travelers.

Links:
Prince George’s County 2017 Snow Summit Presentations: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/20139
Important Snow Information Reference Brochure: https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/DocumentCenter/View/16669
Snow Removal Tracking: https://511portal.com/pgc
Route Clearing Priorities

Routes are prioritized for service into categories: primary, secondary and residential. Primary and secondary roads are serviced first to ensure that public safety and other emergency vehicles can travel. After completion of these roads, residential roads receive service. Crews work as long as necessary to clear roadways, which consists of salting, sanding and/or plowing, as warranted by weather conditions.

To assist crews, citizens and residents are requested to:
·         Move and keep vehicles off snow emergency routes

·         Park in driveways or other off-road locations wherever possible

·         Park only on the even numbered sides of roads/streets

It also is important for single-family homeowners or renters and business proprietors to remember that they are responsible for removal of snow/ice from sidewalks abutting their homes or businesses.

Reporting Road Concerns

During a snow and ice event, residents and citizens are encouraged to wait 24 hours after the precipitation has stopped to call CountyClick 311 or go to www.countyclick311.com to report emergencies or concerns about roadway conditions.

The Department of Public Works and Transportation is committed to snow removal from all streets maintained by Prince George’s County. Please assist us with our snow removal efforts by submitting your information on the Snow Removal Form.

FAQs

1.When will my street be plowed?

Snow emergency routes and primary roads are treated first, followed by secondary streets and finally residential streets including dead-ends and cul-de-sacs.

2.Where do I call to report my street has not been plowed or treated?

Call CountyClick 311 (311 or 301-883-4748), 24 hours after the precipitation has stopped, if your road has not been treated.

3.My driveway is blocked with plowed snow, what do I do?

You are responsible for clearing the snow from your driveway. It is best to shovel your driveway after the road has been plowed to avoid having driveways blocked by snow plowing operations. DPW&T does not have the resources available to unblock driveways.

4.I have a medical condition and need my street plowed right away.

The Department of Public Works and Transportation cannot prioritize roadways by medical needs of the residents. For medical emergencies, residents should call 911 immediately. Department of Public Works and Transportation works directly with the Fire and Police Departments on emergencies. For assistance with transportation to medical appointments, residents should call the Office of Emergency Preparedness at 301-583-1899. The Office of Emergency Preparedness will assist in providing transportation with 4 wheel drive vehicles.

5.Where should I park my car?

If you have a driveway, use it. A parked car in the driveway means less area to shovel later. If on-street parking must be used, cars must be parked on the even-numbered side of the street during snow operations. Failure to do so could result in a fine and/or towing.

6.I live in a new development and I haven’t seen a snow plow yet. Who do I call?

Call CountyClick 311 (311 or 301-883-4748). Inform the call taker that you live in a new development and they can determine if your roadway has been accepted into the County maintenance system. If it hasn’t, you will need to contact your developer or citizen’s association as it is their responsibility until the road has been accepted by the County.

PLEASE STAY SAFE AND WARM!

-Mel Franklin, Councilman

Candidate for Council At-Large

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