New and Improved Snow Map

Check out the Department of Transportation’s new snow map. The new online tool will make it easier for residents to decide when to safely venture out following a snowstorm. The map tool will show the progress of snow plows throughout the County and indicate when emergency roads, primary neighborhood streets and neighborhood streets have been cleared. A zoom feature allows residents to focus on the plow status of their immediate neighborhood and surrounding streets and then zoom out to check on an entire trip route. This improved map comes after residents asked for better information following last year’s storms.

Each road category, whether an emergency/main route or neighborhood street, is designated on the map by a different color. Patterns are used to show whether plowing has begun or not, is in progress or complete. Residents are encouraged to consult the map before concluding their street has been missed.

The map includes a handy icon that allows residents to see road views from any of the County’s nearly 200 traffic cameras. Also shown is helpful information about the location of bus stops and Metro stations. The online map system allows residents to easily report an intersection that needs additional sand or salt, a missed street, or a damaged mailbox.

Since many roads in the County are not cleared by the County’s Department of Transportation (MCDOT), it can be confusing for residents. All State-maintained, numbered roads (such as Georgia Avenue, Maryland Route 97 or Rockville Pike, Maryland Route 355) in the County are cleared by the Maryland State Highway Administration (MSHA). A link to information from MSHA about their plowing progress is also available.

Other departments, outside agencies and governmental jurisdictions also have responsibility for plowing. They include the Montgomery County Board of Education; the Maryland-National Capital Park & Planning Commission; the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro); municipalities; and homeowner’s associations. Commercial parking lot owners plow their own properties and are prohibited from moving snow into the street.

Golden Shovel Awards Presented

The Golden Shovel Awards recognize County residents who made extraordinary efforts to help others during a winter that saw the Washington area receive its largest overall snowfall in history.

I initiated these awards in 2003 to honor residents who lace up their boots to help neighbors shovel out after a snowfall. This year’s winners committed selfless acts that not only helped their neighbors, but united entire communities. It’s important to recognize these efforts because our residents are the pride and joy of the county.

And the Golden Shovels went to:
Gary Biggs—Silver Spring (nominated by Jane O-Dell)
The Buell Family—Rockville (nominated by Ana Volper)
The Busciano Family—Silver Spring (nominated by Julie Statland)
Bill Flannery—Silver Spring (nominated by several neighbors)
Jeff Hopkins—Takoma Park (nominated by Randy Cohen)
Duke Ikeda—Gaithersburg (nominated by Marvin Elster)
Jay Jones—Gaithersburg (nominated by several neighbors)
Students from MC*LEAD—Rockville (nominated by Nik Shushka)
Tim Myers and Yoko Nagasaka—Silver Spring (nominated by Paul Sladen)
The Neal Family—Bethesda 9nominated by Joseph and Sheila Silberstein)
David Perdue—Silver Spring (nominated by Tina Sandri)
Jeff Raines—Montgomery Village (nominated by John Padan and Ragnhild Van Alstyne)
The Rivera Family—Silver Spring (nominated by Elaine and Hal Stein)
Bobby Stockman—Gaithersburg (nominated by Chris Moore)
Paul Tamul—Germantown (nominated by Gaylen Garnand DiSanto and Peter DiSanto)
Thomas Thoma—Silver Spring (nominated by Helen Maurer)
Jeff Truesdale—Gaithersburg (nominated by his daughter, Suzanne)
Bill Wallish—Silver Spring (nominated by neighbor Florence Rand)
Daniel Whiting—Kensington (nominated by several neighbors)

Blizzard Recap Answers Questions

“During the course of snow removal activities, the County removed 45 million cubic yards of snow. If this snow had been concentrated on a single football field, the snow would have risen to 40,000 feet.” This is according to a report presented at Tuesday’s Blizzard of 2010 Recap attended by the State Highway Administration, PEPCO, Comcast, Verizon and County Departments of Transportation, Police, Fire and Rescue Services, and Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

We compiled a list of questions gleaned directly from the calls and e-mail we received from residents across the county. This was our chance to discuss both best practices and lessons learned from the unprecedented storms.

By all accounts, collaboration among departments and agencies accounted for much of the success throughout the storms. For example, DOT worked with PEPCO in the effort to access downed wires. Humvees borrowed from the State of Maryland helped County employees reach residents with critical needs.

Mostly the system for snow removal worked well, although DOT discovered a few missing streets from its GIS program and is making corrections. Several residents asked if plowing could begin on neighborhoods streets once primary roads are passable (as opposed to completely cleared, as is the policy). Officials said they remain confident that the current system is better for residents because providing access to inadequately plowed arterial roads would present significant safety hazards. On the plus side, Ride On was running sooner and for longer hours than bus systems in neighboring jurisdictions.

About 25 percent of residents experienced power outages, making this the worst weather event for PEPCO since Hurricane Isabel in 2003. Workers walked through unplowed snow and worked in the extreme cold and wind in order to restore power. The first priority for PEPCO workers was to address downed wires. Then workers moved to main artery lines and lines that serve critical facilities. PEPCO is in the process of converting to “smart meters” which will be a significant diagnostic tool in future storms.

These are only a few of the highlights of yesterday’s session. To learn more, read the report, or check out the entire briefing which will be available on the Council’s Web site shortly.

Blizzard of 2010 Recap on Tuesday

Tune in to the County Council meeting on Tuesday for the Blizzard of 2010 Recap. Representatives from the State Highway Administration, PEPCO, Comcast, Verizon, County Departments of Transportation, Police, Fire and Rescue Services, and Offices of Emergency Management and Homeland Security will discuss best practices and lessons learned from the unprecedented storms.

I received numerous calls and e-mails about snow removal, utility outages and communication—both critical and complimentary. I expect that many residents’ questions will be answered on Tuesday and that all of the agencies involved will use the best practices and lessons learned for future planning.

The briefing is scheduled for 1:30, and the meeting will be broadcast live on CCM channels Comcast 6, RCN 6 and Verizon 30. It will be repeated on March 12 at 9 p.m.

Golden Shovel Awards Open for Nominations

Did someone you know make your neighborhood safer? Nominate them for a Golden Shovel.
I started the Golden Shovel awards in 2003 to honor residents who lace up their boots to help neighbors shovel out after a snowfall. After this season's record-breaking blizzards, I'm bringing back the awards after a two-year hiatus due to a lack of snow. The awards recognize individuals who go above and beyond in helping clear ice and snow from County sidewalks.

Our seniors, school children, people with disabilities and those who walk to work or use mass transit depend on snow-free sidewalks. This goes beyond convenience--it is a matter of public safety. I certainly hope that residents will nominate for a Golden Shovel those individuals who put the Golden Rule to work. Get your nomination form in your Gazette newspaper, or download it from my Web page.

Talking Snow on WTOP

I enjoyed sharing the microphone today with elected officials from Fairfax County and the District of Columbia on WTOP’s Hands Across the Potomac. As we discussed snow removal efforts throughout the region, we found we had a lot in common when it comes to dealing with back-to-back snowstorms. As I said in yesterday’s post, the biggest concern right now continues to be pedestrian safety. Check out the article and the call-in show.

Pedestrian Safety after Snow

Although we are getting back to normal in many ways, visibility is still limited by large snow banks, and many sidewalks are still hidden under mounds of snow. Please continue to be very careful when driving and walking. Here are some more safety tips to keep in mind.

For drivers:

• Slow down and obey the posted speed limit.

• Stop for pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections- it's the law.

• Don't block crosswalks when stopping at intersections.

• Take extra care around schools, playgrounds, and neighborhoods.

• Always look out for pedestrians, especially before turning at a green light or making a "right turn on red."

• Obey signs, signals and markings--and never run red lights.

• Be careful when passing stopped vehicles. They might be stopping for pedestrians.

• Share the road. It is your responsibility to look out for others.

For pedestrians:

• If you must walk in the street, face traffic so you can see the vehicles coming toward you.

• Stay visible after dark and in bad weather with reflectors or retroreflective clothing. • Cross the street at marked crosswalks and intersections whenever possible.

• Stop and look every time before crossing streets, even when you have the right-of-way, and especially at intersections with “right turn on red.”

• Before crossing, look left, right, then left again, and over your shoulder for turning vehicles. • Begin crossing the street on “Walk” signals – never on a solid or flashing “Don’t Walk.”

Information and Phone Numbers for Second Snow

I think everyone realizes that we are trying to overcome one of the largest snow storms in the Washington area history, and we know that the crews of our Department of Transportation and the utilities that serve County residents have been working tirelessly to help our residents. We also understand the frustration of waiting for your street to be cleared or for electricity to be restored.

This morning, Pepco, our Department of Transportation and other County agencies advised us that this second round of significant snowfall will almost certainly cause further transportation difficulties and power outages, so here’s a summary of storm-related information:

• If there is an emergency, County residents should call 911. The Police non-emergency number is 301-279-8000. Please do not call 911 with snow plowing questions, as that delays responses to emergency calls.
• Residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Montgomery to have emergency alerts, notifications and updates sent to a cell phone, e-mail address, PDA, Twitter or Facebook.
  Stay safe. Stay off the roads if at all possible. Also, be careful of not to overexert yourself when shoveling.
• To report snow removal problems, downed trees, social service needs or other storm-related issues, call 240-777-6000.
• To report “hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, call 911.
  For power outages, call Pepco at 1-877-737-2662, Allegheny Power at 1-800-255-3443 or Baltimore Gas and Electric at 1-877-778-2222.
• Clear snow away from fire hydrants if you are able. If not, mark them with some sort of flag (even a broomstick will do).
• The shelter at Richard Montgomery High School, 2500 Richard Montgomery Drive in Rockville, remains open. Transport to the center is being handled by County volunteers with four-wheel drive vehicles and by Maryland National Guard Members. Two more shelters have opened at the Gwendolyn E. Coffield Community Center in Silver Spring and Seneca Valley High School in Germantown.
• If you have a four-wheel drive vehicle and would like to volunteer, call 240-777-2600.
• Montgomery County’s Fire and Rescue Service urges residents without power to be aware that using gas or charcoal grills, propane heaters and stoves, kerosene space heaters or generators indoors can be fatal. They are a source of carbon monoxide, which can build up indoors and cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Montgomery County government’s cable television channel—County Cable Montgomery, which can be viewed on Channel 6 on the Comcast and RCN cable systems and Channel 30 on Verizon—is continuing to feature live coverage of road conditions at all major traffic intersections.
• Suspension of enforcement of parking restrictions in all public parking garages and lots will continue through Thursday.
• You can find information on County plowing policies and procedures on the County Web site.
• For a street that may have been missed by County plows, report it via the County Web site.
• For County Council weather-related schedule changes, call 240-777-7900.
• Within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm, all residential and commercial property owners are required by county law to clear their sidewalks. Residents are encouraged to help elderly or ill neighbors with this task. Snow shoveling services for a fee are listed through a web search ("snow removal services, Montgomery County, Maryland") or through the yellow pages ("landscaping and maintenance services"). Casa de Maryland, a non-profit organization, may also be able to provide fee-based services, and can be reached at 301-431-4177 or 301-431-4185.
• Montgomery County Police report that as some roads become more passable, drivers are increasing their speed. However, motorists are advised that they may encounter varying conditions on the same stretch of road, as plowing operations continue.
• If a County plow has damaged your mailbox, the County will install a standard post and mailbox at your residence as soon as all snow plowing is completed. Call 240-777-6000 to file a report. If you have a non-standard mailbox, call the County’s Risk Management Division at 240-777-8920. In the meantime, a temporary mailbox will be installed.
• Montgomery County Public Library customers are asked not to return library materials until libraries reopen and are asked not to leave materials outside the library buildings. Materials due Feb. 5 through Feb. 10 will have their due dates extended one week. No fines will be charged for the period from Friday, Feb. 5, through Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Phone Numbers for Snow-Relate Questions

With the predicted blizzard, I want to remind you of a few policies, phone numbers and other helpful information.

During the storm, residents are urged to travel only if absolutely necessary, and stay indoors. Residents concerned about the safety and well-being of children, elderly individuals or adults with disabilities should call the County’s Crisis Center at 240-777-4000.

For downed trees on public property, residents should call the County’s Department of Transportation at 240-777-6000. To report trees that have fallen on utility lines, contact local utility companies. Contact information is available on the county’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov. “Hot” wires or sparking wires, especially those across roadways, may be reported by calling 9-1-1.

Within 24 hours of the end of a snowstorm, all residential and commercial property owners are required by county law to clear their sidewalks. Residents are encouraged to help elderly or ill neighbors with this task. For more information about snow removal operations call 240-777-6000, visit the county’s website at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/snow or check out my January 14 post.

Snow Briefing on the Web

Some people have said they would like to know more about the briefing the Department of Transportation gave to the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee on January 12 about snow removal, so we’ve put the video on the Council’s home page. Look under “Things You Should Know….”

After the Snow

My hat is off to the Department of Transportation for its excellent response to the recent blizzard. The last we had this much snow (in 1996), DOT received nearly 10,000 calls for service. This time, the number of calls was down to about 1,100.

At Tuesday's briefing to the Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee on snow removal after the recent blizzard, I was reminded how truly complex and sophisticated the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) snow removal procedures are. Did you know that DOT clears 5,085 lane miles when it snows? In the case of large amounts of snow, they clear these lanes multiple times (for a total of 18,000 miles in this case). This requires a workforce of over 400 personnel (some County employees and some contractors). Early estimates indicate the cost of the recent snowstorm is more than $5 million.

To understand more about the County’s snow removal policies and what they mean to you, check out the very informative bulletin, Winter Weather Operations - Salting and Snow Removal. Essentially, DOT clears emergency routes and primary residential streets completely before beginning to clear neighborhood streets.

The December blizzard dropped about two feet of snow throughout the entire County. DOT anticipates that clearing this much snow takes 48 to 60 hours. In this case, DOT completed the work in this timeframe. Still, some residents raised questions about the timing and quality of snow removal in their neighborhoods.

Some have suggested that wealthy neighborhoods were cleared before less affluent neighborhoods. Based on the correspondence I received in my office from residents all over the County and from yesterday’s briefing, I can say unequivocally that this is not true. All residential streets, including cul-de-sacs, are treated equally.

Some residents said that their streets weren’t plowed. In a very few cases, DOT’s Geographic Information System (GIS) was not correct. In these cases, DOT updated its GIS so that the error will not occur again.

More often, plows had been down a street once, but because of continued heavy snowfall and stiff winds, plowing was not evident to residents. Snowplows returned to residential streets for further clearing later. It is important to note that DOT’s policy is to make residential streets passable, not to clear them to bare pavement. This policy appears to have caused some confusion. Although we would like to have bare pavement, such a policy would add unreasonable expense and time to the overall clearing project.

For the most part, residents were patient during this storm, and there is no question patience was needed, especially for those whose streets were plowed near the end of the clearing period. The entire briefing will be posted on the Web soon. If you continue to have questions, check out DOT’s website. And let’s hope we don’t see another blizzard like this in the near future.

Committee Will Look at Snow Removal in January

Happy holidays, everyone. I know many of you are traveling around the holidays, so I wanted to offer a few words about snow.

Although overall, the County received good marks for its snow removal operations following a storm of this magnitude, I am concerned that some residents may not have received the level of service that they expected. I think a briefing from representatives of the County’s Department of Transportation on their general procedures—and what went right and what went wrong this past week—will help us understand the operation. I also think a briefing will help improve snow removal procedures throughout the County. Council Vice President Valerie Ervin and Councilmember Roger Berliner also have asked that we to look into how the County responded to the winter storm of Dec. 19-20. The storm dumped amounts of snow ranging from 16 to 24 inches around the region.

Therefore, I am going to invite County transportation officials to appear before the Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee—which I chair—soon after the Council returns in January from our winter recess.