Government 

County Highway Crews Making Progress Clearing Roads during Snow Storm Stella

Frederick County Highway Operations crews (106 personnel) mobilized around 4 a.m. today, and with the assistance of 62 contracted personnel, are working diligently to clear primary roads as a result of Snow Storm Stella. As of 6 a.m., 80 county and 40 contractor plows, 12 pieces of county-owned heavy equipment, two county-owned and 22 contractor skid loaders are being employed.

Highway crews began pre-treating efforts at 8 p.m. Monday. Vehicle equipment chains were installed and trucks were refilled with salt prior to crews pulling off the roads around midnight.

As of 6 a.m., 80 percent of county priority roads (which provide a connection to State Highway maintained roads) were passable; 15 percent of county primary roads (which connect subdivisions or other population centers) were passable, and five percent of subdivision roads were passable.

County crews report the following precipitation amounts as of 6 a.m.:

  • Northern District (Thurmont/Emmitsburg) – 5 inches of snow
  • Eastern District (Woodsboro/Libertytown) – 4-5 inches of snow
  • Northwest District (Myersville) – 4 inches of snow
  • Mills Custom Wood Floors

  • Southwest District (Middletown/Brunswick) – 4-6 inches of snow
  • Southern District (Urbana) – 5-6 inches of mixed snow and sleet
  • Central District (Walkersville/Frederick) – 4 inches of snow

During a press conference yesterday afternoon, County Executive Jan Gardner announced preparations for Snow Storm Stella and noted county cancellations in light of a National Weather Service Winter Storm Warning that remains in effect until 2 p.m. today.

Executive Gardner continues to urge residents to stay safe by staying at home and staying off the roads to allow emergency personnel to take care of urgent situations. Just because a road is considered “passable” does not mean it is completely safe and fully cleared, which will take more time today. She asks everyone to be patient before venturing out.

As a reminder, Frederick County Government offices and facilities are closed today, as are Frederick County Public Libraries, the Circuit Court and District Courts, and the Landfill. Additionally, TransIT Services of Frederick are cancelled today due to road conditions.

For updates, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov or contact Highway Operations at 301-600-1564 to report concerns.

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