Snowy season is upon us! Here's what you need to know: From the Department of Public Works

WINTER WEATHER ALERTS

Be prepared for winter. Visit our website for more information on the steps the City takes when there is a wintery mix in the forecast.

Public Works is staffed around the clock during snow emergencies to clear the 55 road miles of City streets. Updates will be posted on the City’s website and on all City social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram). You can also subscribe to our text alerts by texting "CPALERTS" to 38276 to stay updated.

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.

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 emergency operations and take 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 crosswalks, 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 snowplows can clear snow to the curb.
  • If off-street parking is not available, park as close to the curb as possible. Failure to park properly could result in delayed service to the street.
  • Driveways: Crews following the City-established snow plan work to clear the travel lanes and move snow back as close to the curb as possible. This process will require multiple passes down the street over an extended period. During this process, snow will unavoidably accumulate in driveway entrances. Snow is not intentionally pushed into residential driveways. Residents should be aware that the best way to avoid extra shoveling is to wait for City crews to finish clearing the streets before opening driveway entrances. This will eliminate the need to shovel your driveway entrance more than once.
  • While clearing driveways, residents are encouraged to deposit snow to the right of the driveway (facing the street). Do NOT shovel snow back into the street after the snowplow has cleared it.
  • 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.