Snow Removal Plan

Snow Removal Overview

The City of Mount Rainier Department of Public Works is responsible for clearing streets of snow and ice to promote safe travel for all users. Clearing snow emergency routes and primary roads are prioritized during and after snowfall to allow access for emergency vehicles. Residential streets and alleys will be cleared after emergency routes and primary roads have been cleared. State Highway Administration (SHA) is responsible for snow treatment and removal on State Roads (Rhode Island Avenue, Route 1, and Queens Chapel Road Route 500). Each storm is different and will require a different response. The equipment used and the time it takes will vary. Please do not contact the city or crews to request your street to be plowed during snowfall, the routes are predetermined and drivers may not deviate from their routes. In the event of hazardous conditions or significant accumulation of snow, the City Manager may declare a Snow Emergency. Snow Emergency announcements and other winter weather operations updates will be on the Mount Rainier website and social media platforms. During a declared Snow Emergency, parking along the Snow Emergency Routes is prohibited and vehicles in violation will be ticketed and towed.

Snow Emergency Routes are as follows:

1. 34th Street from Eastern Avenue to Arundel Road
2. Chillum Road from Arundel Road to the City boundary at Queens Chapel Road, MD Route 500
3. Rainier Avenue from 34th Street to Upshur Street
4. Upshur Street from Rainier Avenue to 28th Place
5. 28th Place from Upshur Street to Russel Avenue
6. Russel Avenue from 28th Place to Arundel Road
7. Varnum Street from Russel Avenue to Eastern Avenue
8. Arundel Road from Russel Avenue to 34th Street *Snow emergency routes are plowed first, followed by residential through streets, and then non-through streets and alleys.*

Sidewalk Clearing

The Department of Public Works pretreats and clears sidewalks at the below locations of city-maintained properties. Sidewalk snow removal will begin after city streets have been cleared. All efforts will be made to have snow removed within 24 hours at city-owned or maintained properties.

City Maintained Sidewalks are as follows:

1. City Hall, Municipal Place
2. Police Station, 3249 Rhode Island Avenue
3. Potts Hall, 3405 Rhode Island Avenue
4. Mount Rainier Branch Library, 3409 Rhode Island Avenue
5. Bike Co-Op, 3601 Bunker Hill Road
6. Dog Park at 3200 Rhode Island Avenue Property
7. Memorial Park on Rhode Island Avenue and Perry Street
8. Richardson Park on 31st Street and Arundel Road
9. Spring Park on 33rd Street and Shepherd Street Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC) is responsible for clearing snow at MNCPPC park facilities and Prince George's County Public Schools (PGCPS) is responsible for clearing snow at school facilities.

Residential and commercial property owners must clear their sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall stops so pedestrians can walk safely. Avoid throwing snow from sidewalks and driveways into the street. Put all cleared snow from sidewalks, driveways, and parked cars in the "tree box," front yard, or between the curb and sidewalk.

Help elderly or disabled neighbors remove snow from steps and sidewalks.

Make all necessary arrangements to prepare for an emergency ahead of time, and stay off roads if possible during a winter weather event or heavy snowfall. When traveling use extreme caution and maintain safe speeds and distances from other vehicles. Keep a safe distance from emergency and snow vehicles.