Media Contacts:	John Lisle, DDOT at (202) 486-5838
	Nancee Lyons, DPW at (202) 369-6808

Mayor Adrian M. Fenty announced the District’s Snow Team will deploy equipment tonight to treat city streets in the event of snow. The National Weather Service is predicting scattered snow showers for the evening for the DC Metropolitan Region. Local accumulations of up to a half inch are possible, primarily on unpaved surfaces.

“We’re not expecting a lot of snow,” said Mayor Fenty, “but we’re going to be ready for whatever falls. That’s going to be our strategy all winter. If we’re aggressive and forward-leaning in how we respond to even the threat of bad weather, then we won’t get caught off-guard.”

The Department of Transportation (DDOT) and the Department of Public Works (DPW) will put approximately 2 dozen trucks on the road to prowl for hazardous conditions. If necessary, the crews will salt bridges, freeways and other cold spots to prevent them from icing over. The District will also have three salt domes in operation to support the road crews. The Snow Team will monitor the weather closely throughout the evening and adjust the deployment plan as needed.

The District has more than 200 light and heavy snow plows available for deployment in a significant snow event. That includes 33 new light plow vehicles added to the fleet this year. The new equipment allows the Snow Team to divide the city’s neighborhoods into smaller, more manageable routes. There are now 82 light plow routes, up from 49 in previous years. Earlier today, drivers participated in a “dry run” to familiarize themselves with their routes and equipment, and to note any obstructions they may encounter.

Also, in preparation for snow season, the District has filled its 5 salt domes to capacity with 40,000 tons of salt. In addition, there are two 15,000 gallon tanks of brine on hand to pre-treat roadways for slick conditions and four tanker trucks that will be used in advance of forecasted storms. The District’s snow removal budget for the current fiscal year is approximately $6.2 million.

DDOT and DPW remind commuters and residents to:

• Remember that driving on ice is significantly different than driving on snow.
• Use extreme caution and maintain safe speeds and distances from other vehicles.
• Remember even a 4-wheel drive SUV does not perform well in ice and additional safety measures should be followed.
• Be aware of road conditions, particularly black ice which can be deceptive in its appearance giving the driver a false sense of security on the road.
• Watch for slippery bridge decks, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridge decks will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.
• Remember to keep a safe distance from emergency and snow vehicles and please use caution when attempting to pass a snowplow. Give the drivers plenty of room to safely do their jobs.
• Clear all the snow and ice from your vehicle’s windows and lights – even the hood and roof – before driving.
• Help your elderly or disabled neighbors remove snow from steps and sidewalks.
• Clear catch basins and fire hydrants.
• Please do not put snow in the street. Put all cleared snow, from parked cars and sidewalks, in the “tree box,” front yard, or between the curb and sidewalk.