Don't Call 9-1-1 To Check On Snowplows: County Updates

Updated at 6 p.m.

PRINCE GEORGE’s COUNTY, MD — What not to do following a snowstorm? Call 9-1-1 to report your street hasn’t been plowed yet.

A glitch with county’s online plow tracking system continues to frustrate some area residents; residents are urged to use the now-functioning online form to request plowing rather than calling. And cars must be off streets before plows will go down them, so keep shoveling.

In Bowie, the city government will open on time Tuesday, with a liberal leave policy in effect for employees. No trash or recyling pickup.

All Prince George’s County Public Schools are closed Tuesday.

The Prince George’s County Department of Public Works and Transportation released these updates regarding snow removal and transportation services:

Snow Removal Update:

• Primary roadways are about 95% passable. Passable means conditions which would allow a passenger vehicle to navigate the travel path using reasonable care.
• Plows are moving into residential areas as resources allow; it is estimated 40% of our residential roads are passable.
• Abandoned vehicles are causing issues for plows to safely clear the roads. Any car impeding a plow is susceptible to being towed.
• Operators are plowing by route and area; to the maximum extent possible, we are attempting not to pull them from their designated areas.

»Subscribe here to Bowie Patch alerts, free daily newsletter

Snow Removal Requests/311:

• The Prince George’s County 3-1-1 call center has been overwhelmed with snow requests from residents seeking service. Over the last two days the center has handled over 5,000 calls – the most ever received since the system was created in 2012.
• In order to avoid long wait times, residents should submit their snow removal request online versus calling 3-1-1.
• To submit an online request go to http://countyclick.princegeorgescountymd.gov/ and click on “Submit Request for Snow Removal” at the top of page.
• 3-1-1 is only available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., after hours residents can call the Snow Information Center at 301-350-0500. However, officials urge all residents to submit requests online to avoid extended wait times.

Snow Plowing and Roads:

• Residents are asked to park on the even-numbered sides of residential streets or in their driveways so that crews can clear the roadways.
• Crews started plowing operations in residential neighborhoods Sunday night, and will continue. Residential streets are plowed as passable, which creates one lane that a vehicle can travel if it is a two lane road; one lane in each direction if it is a four lane road. All residential roads should be passable sometime Wednesday.
• Residents are reminded that abandoned vehicles must be removed from the roadways before streets can be plowed.
• Driveways and mailboxes will have snow in front of them as a result of the plowing operation.
• Residents should shovel their driveways after plowing has occurred and remove snow/ice from the sidewalks abutting their homes and businesses.

TheBus:

• TheBus will have limited service tomorrow, January 26, 2016. For further updates contactwww.NextBus.com or (301)324-2877.
• We will be providing Paratransit transportation for scheduled dialysis appointments.

Snow Plow Tracking:

Unfortunately, the plow tracking map is still not unavailable. As an alternative, The Department of Public Works and Transportation is advising residents that they can visit http://www.pgctrip.com/ to view County traffic cameras and updated information.

9-1-1 for Emergencies Only:

We have also had reports that residents are calling 9-1-1 for snow removal. 9-1-1 is for emergency use only, residents should not call 9-1-1 for non-emergency issues.

State Roads

• Twitter: Follow twitter.com/TheMDTA or click the Twitter app.
• Statewide travel information: md511.org or dial 511.
• Check www.roads.maryland.gov and click on “commuter” and then click on “live traffic” to view traffic cameras.

Local Streets

• Bowie is checking the city’s Facebook page: Report a snow issue
• Prince George’s County roads: 301-499-8520

Towed Cars During Snow Emergency
Contact the Maryland State Police barrack in the county where you left the vehicle: www.mdsp.maryland.gov.