Westminster, MD, Monday, December 9, 2024 - The Carroll County Department of Public Works Bureau of Roads Operations (Roads) is busy planning and preparing for the management of winter operations to ensure the excellent service level that customers expect from Carroll County.

Roads winter preparations began in November with an annual Winter Weather Workshop, bringing city, town, state, and public safety partners together to discuss preparations for the challenges of inclement weather.

Roads has 80 team members dedicated to clearing roads during winter weather events. The team is ready to treat county roads with 80 pieces of snow and ice equipment, a stockpile of 13,000 tons of salt, and 31,000 gallons of liquid salt brine.

Salt brine is a water solution of 23% salt sprayed before a storm if conditions warrant. It prevents snow from bonding to pavement, reduces the overall amount of material needed to treat county roads, and aids overall snow removal operations. Salt brine is produced in-house by ROADS at a substantial cost savings.

As storms approach, staff closely monitors professional meteorological forecasts to determine the best course of action. The team is prepared to keep roads clear; however, due to the nationwide personnel shortage, routes may take longer to treat than previous years. Regardless, ROADS’ top priorities remain the safety of the traveling public and accessibility to Carroll County’s 1000 miles of roadway. During major winter storms, 27 contractors, with 27 pieces of snow removal equipment and various types of equipment, are on standby ready to assist in around-the-clock operations.

Winter Driving Tips

  • Inspect your vehicle for safety. Always keep winter-specific items in the car emergency kit such as tire chains, flashlight, ice scraper, snow shovel, kitty litter/sand, first-aid supplies, extra clothes/gloves, blankets, non-perishable food/water, flares, and jumper cables.  A good list is available here: https://www.nsc.org/community-safety/safety-topics/emergency-preparedness/emergency-supplies-for-car 
  • Remove ALL snow and ice from your entire vehicle, with emphasis on the vehicle’s roof, windows, mirrors, and lights, prior to driving. Snow that is blowing from a vehicle can decrease visibility for you as well as the cars behind. Also, snow and ice that dislodges while driving can cause damage to other vehicles and even injuries to other drivers and pedestrians. 
  • Before traveling, check tires, brakes, lights, battery, wipers, defroster, heater, vehicle fluid levels.
  • Always be aware of the threat of carbon monoxide poisoning. Never leave a vehicle running in your garage – even with an open garage door.  Remove any snow that has accumulated around the exhaust pipe before starting your car and don’t leave your car running while clearing it off. Do not stay in a running car whose exhaust is covered by ice or snow.  
  • Only travel in winter weather when it is essential and leave early to provide adequate time to safely reach your destination.  If you must go out, please remember to drive safely as some plowed roads are narrow and have low visibility with snow piled on either side, especially at intersections.  Watch out for pedestrians walking along the roadways and children enjoying the snow.
  • Slow down on winter roads: speed limits are based on dry pavement and clear weather.
  • Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
  • Watch carefully for snow removal equipment.
  • Use extra caution on bridges and ramps, as they may be icy.
  • Carroll County residents and motorists are encouraged to visit the following sites for more information:
  • Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration - Safe Winter Driving Practices
  • National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Winter Driving Tips
  • AAA - Winter Driving Tips
  • If your mailbox is damaged during the plowing operations, please call ROADS at 410-386-6717 or submit a request to See Click Report on the county’s website to request repair/replacement of the mailbox.

A friendly reminder to everyone - please do not clear driveways into the roadways

The county thanks all our customers for their patience and understanding as crews work their way through this year’s events.