Snowy and Icy Conditions The Department of Public Works clears snow and ice from District roadways and bridges. The department declares and enforces snow emergencies. DPW is committed to: Fast plowing of major roads Quick clearing of residential streets Early resumption of trash pickup Rapid return of normal bus routes Manual clearing of pedestrian-intensive areas DPW clears streets in the following priority: Main roads -- both residential and commercial -- to open or keep open at least one lane of traffic "Problem" residential streets -- shaded, narrow or steep Remaining residential streets The key new components of snow removal efforts this year are: New equipment Better residential streets clearing Better use of contractors Increased training Better personnel deployment Enhanced quality assurance Parking enforcement A Citywide snow coordinator Helpful Tips Stay at least 35 feet behind a plow truck. Clear snow from catch basins, fire hydrants and sidewalks. Park at the curb, not in the driving lane. Put snow in tree box, not the street. Use public transportation. Cars parked on snow emergency routes will be towed and fined $250 after a snow emergency is declared.