Winter Weather

Snow & Ice Removal, Updates and More!

Snow Removal Activities

The City of College Park’s priority during a snow event is public safety. The 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 goes into effect upon the order of the City Manager or the Director of Public Works. The plan consists of an Alert Phase and an Operational Phase. The Alert Phase may include pre-treating designated streets with salt brine to prevent snow and ice adhesion to the road surface. Treating roadways due to snow or icy precipitation would become the priority under the Operational Phase.

Snow removal equipment is 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 is ordered by the Director or Assistant Director of Public Works. Plowing operations commence when there is an accumulated amount of snow or slush on the roadway.
Initially, one lane is plowed on all streets followed by widening of the plowed lane. All streets are plowed curb to curb, as conditions allow.
Designated crews are dispatched to clear sidewalks, bus stops, Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beach (RRFB) cross walks, and the Trolley Trail locations throughout the City.
Snow and ice clearing operations are carried out in accordance with established priorities as circumstances permit.

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.

To view the City Code regarding sidewalk snow removal, visit: § 141-5 Maintenance of public sidewalks. To view a live map showing snow removal progress during active snow alerts, visit: https://511portal.com/collegeparkmd.

Snow and Ice Control

Department of 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-street so snow plows can clear snow to the curb.
If off-street parking is unavailable during predicted snowstorms, park on the side of the road with even-numbered houses; if your address is odd-numbered and the area across from your house is undeveloped, park on the odd-numbered 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.
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.

Water Main Breaks

Water main breaks should be reported to Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) at 301-206-4002. Please have the physical address of the water main break available when you call.