FAQs • Frederick County • CivicEngage

You came in my subdivision but didn't do my road. How can I be sure you won't forget me?: While it may feel as if you've been forgotten, if your subdivision road is maintained by the County, we will plow it. Subdivision roads are the last group of roads to be cleared after a storm. Primary roads are reopened first. Then secondary roads are cleared. These include main neighborhood collector streets. The process is slowed down when crews encounter parked and abandoned cars. In certain subdivisions, there may be County-owned facilities, such as treatment plants or pump stations that must be accessed. To coordinate with snow plowing procedures, the staff at these facilities may enter a subdivision with the 'blade up' unless the snow is extremely deep, in which case you may see them plow in and out.

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Severe Weather Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where can I find more snow removal information?: For additional information, see the snow removal website page. Snow removal page

2. Who is responsible for plowing my street: This depends on where you live. We offer a search tool on our website (link below) so you can check whether your street is plowed by the State, the County, a municipality, or if your road is privately maintained, such as by a homeowners association. If you live along one of the 2,700 lane miles of county-maintained roads, the Highway Operations staff is responsible for plowing.
Who maintains my street?

3. When will my street be plowed? Is there a place I can check the status?: The order of streets are plowed can vary based on the type of precipitation and any emergency situations. When they are not assisting emergency responders, road crews focus first on primary roads, like those that connect to state routes and those where fire and rescue stations are located. Crews then clear secondary roads. Neighborhood streets and courts are the last group to be plowed. Their goal is to establish a single passable lane on all roads and then to work back through the priorities, widening roads to normal lane width.

4. You came in my subdivision but didn't do my road. How can I be sure you won't forget me?: While it may feel as if you've been forgotten, if your subdivision road is maintained by the County, we will plow it. Subdivision roads are the last group of roads to be cleared after a storm. Primary roads are reopened first. Then secondary roads are cleared. These include main neighborhood collector streets. The process is slowed down when crews encounter parked and abandoned cars. In certain subdivisions, there may be County-owned facilities, such as treatment plants or pump stations that must be accessed. To coordinate with snow plowing procedures, the staff at these facilities may enter a subdivision with the 'blade up' unless the snow is extremely deep, in which case you may see them plow in and out.

5. How do you prioritize plowing? Where can I access the priority list?: Roads that connect to a State highway are priority roads. Please see the Priority Roads Map

6. I have a funeral/medical procedure/baby coming soon/no diapers or formula in the house. Can my street by made a priority?: Life safety emergencies are made top priority. Major storms can cause funeral homes/health care providers to postpone services, so you should first check to see if your schedule has been changed. If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.

7. There's no way to get in or out of my neighborhood. What should I do if I have a heart attack?: If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 immediately. Plows do respond with ambulances and other 1st responders as needed.

8. Why has only one lane in my subdivision been plowed?: In major events our crews start by establishing a single passable lane on all roads. Then they work back through their routes, starting with priority roads, to clear lanes to their normal width.

9. When will you plow out my street wider?: Unfortunately, we can not give exact time. The goal is to first establish a single passable lane on all roads, and then to work back through each road, starting with the priority roads, to clear lanes to their normal width.

10. I live on a cul-de-sac. When will you get to me?: Cul-de-sacs may require different pieces of equipment to clear the snow because large plows cannot turn well in tight spaces. When snow is unusually deep, we also may need to bring in loaders or other kinds of equipment.

11. I cleared the sidewalk and now you've dumped snow on it. Who will remove it?: Plows are not able to target where snow goes as it comes off the blade. Unfortunately, that sometimes results in sidewalks needing to be cleared a second time by property owners.

12. You have piled snow at the end of my cul-de-sac. Who will remove it?: Once all roads are passable, Highway Operations will return to clean up the end of the cul-de-sac.

13. I cleared my driveway entrance and now you have blocked it with snow. Who will remove it?: Highway Operations responsibility is to clear snow from the roads as quickly as possible; property owners are responsible for clearing the snow at driveways. Clear the space to the left of your driveway as you face the street. This will allow the snow to come off the plow before reaching your driveway.

14. Who removes vehicles that have been abandoned?: The Frederick county Sheriff's Office is notified of abandoned vehicles.

15. Is school cancelled?: That decision is made by the Frederick County Public Schools. Please check on the Frederick County Public Schools' website or local news media websites.

16. I am available to help with snow plowing. Can you use my company? How will I be paid?: Thank you for offering your assistance. Snow removal service is procured via a competitive bid process or blizzard contract before the start of snow season. Please contact the Office of Highway Operations at 301-600-1565 for information.