Snow Removal

The City of Bowie is responsible for snow removal on all City maintained public streets. Responses to winter weather are categorized as follows:

Snow accumulation of less than 2 inches:

When roadways become slick due to snow, sleet, or ice, they are immediately treated with salt and/or sand. During treatment operations all main drives, steep hills, and collector streets (streets with numerous intersections) are treated on a priority basis. Streets with lesser inclines, most cul-de-sacs, and flat roads with limited intersections are not treated unless severe icing conditions occur. Limited plowing may take place on priority streets.

Snow accumulation of 2 inches or more:

When snow accumulations reach 2 inches, citywide plowing operations begin. Plowing operations begin with main drives and progresses to hilly areas and collector streets. During heavier snows plows will remain on priority streets until plowing outpaces accumulation. Plowing then progresses to streets with lesser inclines, roads with limited intersections, and cul-de-sacs. Citywide plowing continues until all streets have been plowed.

Severe Icing Conditions:

This condition is not meant to describe the presence of packed snow or ice in any one area. Severe icing conditions exist when all areas are coated with ice. An example would be an extended freezing rain event that coats roads, trees, and power lines. These events are often referred to as ice storms. When severe icing occurs response time increases due to downed power lines, fallen trees, and the need to respond to emergency situations. During ice storms streets not normally treated are given consideration and often receive treatment. The impending weather, maintenance of priority streets, and salt supply are given consideration when assessing additional treatment needs.

Jurisdiction:

City winter weather operations are confined to City maintained public streets. Some areas are comprised of private streets that are not maintained by the City. Most townhouse development streets fall into the category of private streets. In the few instances where the townhouse streets are public, the City will treat, plow and maintain the streets but not the parking areas. Additionally, the City does not treat, plow, or maintain any shopping centers. The townhouse homeowners association or management company are responsible for private areas. 

Some streets within the City limits are maintained by other agencies. The following roads are maintained by Prince Georges County: Race Track Road, Old Chapel Road, Forest Drive, Mitchellville Road (south of MD 197), Chestnut Avenue (Route 564 to 6th Street), Chestnut Avenue (11th Street to Highbridge Road transition, Highbridge Road, Fletchertown Road, Mt. Oak Road (west of Mitchellville Rd.), Jericho Park Road, Church Road, Laurel-Bowie Road (6th Street to Route 197) and Hillmeade Road. Concerns regarding these streets must be reported to the Prince Georges County Public Works Office at 301-735-4653.

The following roads are maintained by the State of Maryland: Route 450; Route 197; Route 3/301; Route 564 (Lanham Severn Rd.); Route 50; Route 214 (Central Avenue) and Hall Road. All problems with these streets must be reported to the State Highway Administration at 301-513-7300. For additional information, call the Streets Office at 301-575-2472.