Media Contact:	Mafara Hobson, EOM at (202) 727-2807
	John Lisle, DDOT at (202) 486-5838
	Linda Grant, DPW at (202) 671-2375

(Washington, DC) Mayor Adrian M. Fenty, District Department of Transportation Director Gabe Klein, and Department of Public Works Director William O. Howland Jr. announced this morning that the District’s major roads have been treated and are ready for the morning rush hour.

“The District is open for business and drivers commuting to work this morning should find the main roads wet and mostly clear of snow,” said Mayor Fenty, “And at this hour our crews continue to treat the residential streets.”

All District Government offices, including DC Public Schools, will open on time and operate under normal business hours today.

“That means there will be a lot of students walking to school this morning,” said DPW Director Howland, “If you’re driving, please take your time, be careful and watch for pedestrians of all ages.”

Temperatures today are expected to rise to help melt the snow, but not before the school bell rings and District residents and businesses are reminded to clear the walkways around their property.

“Because it’s a school day, it’s even more critical that everyone shovel their sidewalks,” said DDOT Director Klein. “The last thing we want is for pedestrians, including our children, to have to walk in the roadways because the sidewalks aren’t clear. That is too dangerous.”

District crews including DDOT and DPW started treating the roadways at 4pm Tuesday afternoon with a full deployment of more than 180 pieces of equipment.

Although the roadways are in good shape, residents and commuters are still encouraged to prepare for the morning rush hour by possibly alternating drive times and leaving later in the morning, telecommuting, or using transit such as bus or Metrorail. Also, allow plenty of drive time, check windshield wipers to make sure they are working properly, make sure fluids are full and tire pressure is good.