Prince George’s County DPW&T Snow FAQs

1. As a County resident, when should I expect my street to be treated?

Primary and secondary roads are serviced first to ensure that public safety and other emergency vehicles can travel. After the completion of these roads, residential roads receive service.

2. Does Prince George’s County maintain (plow or treat) my street?

Prince George’s County, Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) maintains more than 2,000 miles of County roadways. Other county departments, external agencies, and municipalities also share responsibility for treating and plowing roads, driveways, parking lots, sidewalks, etc.

During inclement weather, DPW&T recommends using the Snow Tracker to stay informed on Snow Plow operations as they relate to your neighborhood.

3. Who clears MD State Highways?

Roads identified by a NUMBER, (ex. MD-210, US-1) are STATE ROADS. Plowing of Snow Operations are conducted by MDOT, Maryland State Highway Administration.

4. Does DPW&T pre-treat roads before a snow event?

Contingent upon conditions before the storm, officials could decide to not brine roads. For example, if rain is in the forecast ahead of snow or ice, the rain will likely wash the brine away or dilute it before it has time to act. In these scenarios, crews could instead use rock salt to melt the ice after it begins to fall. The agency will proactively pre-treat roads based on road conditions and the weather.

5. When does DPW&T begin plowing roads?

Once snowfall accumulates to 2 inches, DPW&T will deploy trucks to begin a plowing operation.

6. A plow truck came through my neighborhood, but there’s still snow covering the ground. Why is that?

At the Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T), our goal is to clear residential roadways in the most efficient way possible. We aim for roads to be passable in residential areas.

7. What are the three tiers for road conditions and plowing standards?

Passable - Conditions which would allow a passenger vehicle to negotiate the travel path using reasonable care. This usually means that the roadway is snow and/or ice covered and reasonably level with minimum rutting.

Bare Pavement - Conditions in which 75% or more of the travel lane surface shows. Bare pavement may include isolated patches of compacted snow/ice of 1 inch or less.

Completed - Conditions which provided bare pavement for all travel and turning lanes, including paved shoulders (where applicable)

8. What is a Snow Emergency Route?

Roads that the County has deemed must maintain clear conditions throughout storms for police, fire, and other emergency vehicles. Note—the County and the State may not declare snow emergencies at the same time.

9. During a Snow Emergency, what are County residents expected to do?

County residents are advised to remain off the roads to ensure DPW&T crews can plow and treat roadways without interruption or delay from motorists.

10. What is considered a Primary Road?

A Primary Road is a major arterial and/or collector road that consists of two or more travel lanes and may be separated by a concrete or grass median. An example of a primary road is Garrett Morgan Boulevard and Ritchie Road.

11. What is considered a Residential Road?

A road that is occupied by residential homes and neighborhoods. Some residential roads are not the responsibility of the county and are managed by the Homeowners Association (HOA). In special cases, residential streets that fall on state roads are the responsibility of the Maryland Department of Transportation—State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA). We recommend using the MDOT “Know Your Streets” tool to find out who maintains your residential roadway.

12. What resources does DPW&T utilize for snow removal?

DPW&T has more than 350 employees dedicated to snow operations when Prince George’s County experiences snowfall. Additionally, we’re partnered with 100+ contractors for supplemental support if needed.

13. Who do I contact to report an incident? (Ex—A snowplow hit my car, A truck knocked my mailbox over, etc.)

Please report any incidents to PGC311.

14. Where can residents find online information about snow and winter operations?

Residents can visit mypgc.us/Winterweather for the County’s Winter Weather Hub.