WASHINGTON — If you saw a snow plow driving down your street on Friday during the sunny 70-degree weather, you were not imagining things.
The D.C. Department of Transportation used Friday as a combination practice run and a pep rally for their 800-person team of snow clearers.
"You did not miss a weather report," DOT Director Sharon Kershbaum said as women and men carrying shovels stood behind her Friday. "This event not only prepares us for the winter season, but it highlights the dedication in ensuring that D.C. remains safe and operational during the most challenging weather conditions."
The dry run allowed drivers to check the status of their plows, trucks and salt spreaders used to clear 1,100 miles of streets and highways during the winter. The software used to track snow plow coverage also got a test run.
D.C. DOT also said Friday that they have added new mini plows to their fleets to deal with snow inside bike lanes.
"As for sidewalks, D.C. law requires residential and commercial property owners to remove snow and ice from the sidewalks around their property within the first eight hours of daylight after a storm ends," Director Kershbaum said Friday.
Additionally, the District is looking for more volunteers to help those who are physically unable to clear snow from their walkways and driveways, as part of their Serve DC "Snow Heroes" program.