[Scan-DC] Snowplow Tracking

[Alan Henney]

November 20, 2007

Media Contacts:
Kevin Enright, Director, Office of Public Information, (410) 313-2022
Bill Malone, Chief, Bureau of Highways, Department of Public Works,
(410) 313-7450

Howard County Offers Residents Ability to Track County Snowplows

ELLICOTT CITY, MD –With winter weather just around the corner, Howard
County Executive Ken Ulman would like to remind residents that while
road travel during winter months can become quite difficult, help is
just a click away.

To help residents keep track of road conditions, each County snow
vehicle is equipped with a global positioning device which allows
County residents to track real time progress of the vehicles during a
snowstorm.  By visiting the County’s homepage, www.howardcountymd.gov,
and ‘clicking’ on the snowflake icon, residents can view which county
roads have been serviced and how those roads have been treated.  The
snow tracker map shows the current location of plow vehicles,
untreated roads, salted roads and plowed roads.  Progress maps are
updated every 15 minutes.  Residents can also call 410-313-2900 for
updated, general information concerning the County’s maintenance
efforts.

To assist highway crews during a snowstorm, the Bureau of Highways
reminds residents not to park on streets (especially not on
cul-de-sacs) as that makes snow removal nearly impossible.  The Bureau
asks residents to park their vehicles in their driveways whenever
possible.  This allows police officers, firefighters and paramedic’s
direct access to public safety tasks while driving in treacherous
conditions and also leads to quick and more complete clearing of the
roads. Finally, the Bureau recommends you to not shovel your sidewalk
or driveway entrance until after your street has been completely
plowed.

The County's snow plan covers more than 1,000 miles of a 3,800-road
system which is divided into a series of routes.  Primary and
secondary roads receive the first service to ensure that public safety
vehicles can provide service to citizens--then local residential roads
are serviced.  For further information please contact the Department
of Public Works, Bureau of Highways at (410) 313-7450.

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