Snow and Ice Removal
Snow Removal Activities
The City of College Park’s priority during a snow event is public safety. Our goal is to clear snow and ice as quickly and efficiently as possible, restoring safe travel for emergency crews, motorists, and pedestrians. Snow and ice removal are considered an emergency operation and takes precedence over other Public Works tasks.
The snow plan will go into effect upon the order of the City Manager or the Director of Public Works. The plan consists of an Alert Phase and an Operation Phase. The alert phase may include pre-treating designated streets with salt brine to prevent snow and ice adhesion to the road surface. Snow or icy precipitation, which requires roadway treatment, will be considered an emergency under the operational phase.
These steps will be followed during a snow emergency: • Snow removal equipment will be dispatched to predetermined routes when snow or ice is imminent. Salting operations usually begin at the onset of precipitation, depending on pavement temperature and the forecast. • First application of salt will be ordered by the Director or Assistant Director. Plowing operations will commence when there is an accumulated amount of snow or slush on the roadway. • Initially, one lane will be plowed on all streets followed by widening of the plowed lane. All streets will be plowed curb to curb, as conditions allow. • Designated crews will be dispatched to clear sidewalks, bus stops, RRFB cross walks, and the trolley trail locations throughout the City. • Snow and ice clearing operations will be carried out in accordance with established priorities as circumstances permit.
Snow and Ice Control
Public Works crews plow and salt city streets and city parking lots to clear snow and ice.
Things you can do to help include: • Move parked cars off the street so the snow plows can clear snow to the curb. • If off-street parking is not available during predicted snowstorms, park on the EVEN side of the road (EXCEPTION: if your address is odd-numbered and the area across from your house is undeveloped, park on the odd side of the street) • The City is not responsible for clearing snow from driveways or driveway aprons - this is the resident's responsibility. If you begin to remove snow before the trucks are finished, be mindful that your driveway may need to be cleared more than once. • After the snowplows have finished cleaning your street, clear snow and ice from the sidewalks, storm drains and fire hydrants in front of your residence. • Have patience: crews work around the clock during snow emergencies to clear the streets. Although your street may not be plowed as quickly as you would like, our crews will make their way to you. Your patience is appreciated during these times. Always plan to set your refuse and recycling carts out for your regularly scheduled day during snow events. Refuse and recycling collections may occur later in the day than normal, or they could be delayed a day.
Updates During Snow Events
Public Works is staffed around the clock during snow events. Please visit the Public Works webpage, for information related to snow removal operations at www.collegeparkmd.gov/snow. For more information call 240-487-3590 or email publicworks@collegeparkmd.gov.
Winter Weather Alerts
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, this coming winter could well be one of the longest and coldest that we’ve seen in years, so be prepared. Visit our website for more information on the steps the City takes when there is a wintery mix in the forecast. City Department of Public Works crews are staffed around the clock during snow emergencies to clear the 51 road miles of City streets. Updates will be posted on the City’s website, all City social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram).
Water Main Breaks
As it gets cooler, the risk of water main breaks increases. The first step to repairing a water main is YOU! Report it to WSSC Water 301-206-4002; please have the physical address of the water main break available when you call.
