Gaithersburg 'Snow Road-eo' Shows Plowing Skills For Winter

GAITHERSBURG, MD — The City of Gaithersburg “Snow Road-eo” was held Oct. 20 at Bohrer Park to gear up snow removal preparedness for the winter weather season.

Seven teams, each consisting of a snow plow driver and a navigator, competed in a timed obstacle course where they negotiated their way through eight stations along a plotted route. The course challenges the participants to operate large machinery in very tight spaces, something they encounter regularly when plowing courts and newer developments with on-street parking, a cityn news release said.

Crew members completed pre-trip plow truck inspections and a written exam prior to the obstacle course event.

Winners and participants were recognized during an awards ceremony following the competition. Mark Smith and Andrew Rosencrantz came in first place, followed by Greg Horton and David Outman in second, and Chris Mangine and Istvan Kerekes in third.

The rookie of the year and overall best driver was awarded to Steve Adkins.

Gaithersburg’s junior mayor, Loriele Nix of Summit Hall Elementary School, made a special appearance and participated in a drive-along with a Public Works crew member.

Also on display at the event were snow plows outfitted with specially painted blades with original artwork as part of the Paint the Plow community outreach program, an initiative of the Gaithersburg Parks, Arts and Recreation Corporation. The painted blades feature designs and messages bringing awareness to the overuse of salt on roads.

Learn more about the city’s Road Salt Drop Off Program here.

As public works crews get ready to combat snow, residents are reminded to do their part. Read about how you can prepare for a winter storm in Gaithersburg and find snow removal information and updates on the City’s website at www.gaithersburgmd.gov. Also, follow the department on Facebook and Twitter @GburgMD for winter weather updates, and subscribe to Alert Gaithersburg for emergency notifications.

Not sure who is responsible for plowing which streets in Gaithersburg? The Maryland Department of Transportation maintains an online map service that allows residents to enter a street address and learn which agency (state, county or local municipality) is responsible for road maintenance.

Use the map locator at www.mdot.maryland.gov/knowyourroads.html to see who’s responsible for plowing roads.

For more information, call 301-258-6370 or visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov.