LARGO, MD – Prince George’s County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) crews go into full “snow mode” late tonight and will work 12-hour rotating shifts for as long as necessary to keep more than 1,821 miles (5,000+ lane miles) of county-maintained roadways clear of snow and ice to ensure the safety of residents, citizens, and other folks traveling through the county.  

During each 12-hour rotating shift, more than 240 vehicles and 250 employees will be clearing Prince George’s County maintained roads. Command staff will work out of DPW&T’s TRIP Center located at 8414 D’Arcy Road, Forestville, MD, where photo/interview opportunities can be arranged on site or in the field prior to, during, and after the snow event.  Visual opportunities range from loading trucks at the salt dome and plowing roads to a state of the art street monitoring center and command strategy room. 

To assist road crews in keeping roadways clear, 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 streets

It also is important for single-family homeowners or renters and business proprietors to remember that they are responsible for:

• Removal of snow and/or ice from sidewalks abutting their homes or business establishments   

As in all inclement weather conditions, citizens and residents are encouraged not to drive for their own safety, as well as that of emergency crews.  Should drivers find it necessary to be on county roadways during or immediately after the storm event, they need to allow extra travel time and use extreme caution.  

In addition to DPW&T staff, members of the department’s successful Community Partnering Program will report to DPW&T concerning roadway hazards or conditions within their communities.  This allows crews to quickly redeploy where needed.

It should be noted that routes are prioritized for service into three categories:  primary, secondary, and residential.  Primary roads receive service first to ensure that public safety and other emergency vehicles are able to travel.  After completion of these roads, secondary and residential roads receive service.  Residents and citizens may contact the county’s Snow Information Center in the event of an emergency or to report concerns about roadway conditions by calling 301.350.0500.