Sidewalk Maintenance

1. How to determine that repair is needed for existing sidewalk?

The sidewalks along the streets in the County (either on both sides or on one side only) are primarily for pedestrian traffic. Provision of a safe pedestrian environment is imperative in all sidewalks. However, gradual deterioration with age, unequal settlement, the presence of tree roots in close proximity and environmental conditions may cause deterioration of the existing sidewalks. As a result, unevenness is always reported with reference to the sidewalks environment. Usually, any unevenness higher than 0.5 inches is regarded as unsafe and falls into repair category.

2. How to determine that repair is needed for existing driveway apron?

Although a driveway itself is a private property of the citizen, a driveway apron is an integral part of the driveway, adjacent to driveway and is usually constitutes a public property to be maintained by the County. The safety of driving to and from citizen’s driveway and roadways depends on the conditions of driveway apron. The condition of driveway apron will depend on the age, normal wear and tear, unequal settlement, and any other environmental conditions. However, visual inspections can determine that a driveway apron needs repairs or replacement.

3. Are County sidewalks replaced on a schedule?

No. Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) repairs and/or replaces the sidewalks only as and when trip hazard situations are reported; or serious drainage conditions due to adverse sidewalk slopes resulting in icy conditions due to water ponding on the sidewalk are observed. Sidewalk panels are also replaced to accommodate newly constructed ADA-compliant handicap ramps.

4. Who is responsible for maintaining and repairing the sidewalks in front of my home?

Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) will make repairs and/or replace the sidewalks in front of your home, provided your street is located within the jurisdiction of the County for maintenance purposes. To submit a request, please call PGC311 at 3-1-1 (or 301-883-4748) Monday - Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

5. Will the County remove a tree that is damaging the sidewalk?

The County has defined policies regarding trees within the County right of way. Removal or otherwise of a tree damaging the sidewalk, is assessed by the Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) on case by case basis; and the management decides about pruning the roots; or removing the tree.

6. I was not notified that work was being done on sidewalks in front of my home. Was I supposed to be notified?

Yes. DPW&T always notifies public at least 48 hours prior to start of construction/repair works on a street. Notices/Signs are always posted on the street, on posts, trees; or handouts hung on door handles, informing about the time and duration of construction work.

7. Will the County remove a tree that is damaging the sidewalk?

The County has defined policies regarding trees within the County right of way. Removal or otherwise of a tree damaging the sidewalk, is assessed by the Department of Public Works & Transportation (DPW&T) on case by case basis; and the management decides about pruning the roots; or removing the tree.

8. There is a fallen tree on the sidewalk. Who do I call?

Please call PGC311 at 3-1-1 (or 301-883-4748) Monday - Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to submit a service request.

In case of emergency, please call DPW&T Dispatch Office at 301-499-2710, round the clock, and inform about the fallen tree.

9. The sidewalk in front of my house is uneven. Will the County come fix it?

Yes, call PGC311 at 3-1-1 (or 301-883-4748) Monday - Friday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. to submit a service request.

10. There is a sidewalk construction project going on in my neighborhood. There has been no activity on the project for several days. Who do I contact to find out what is going on and when it will be completed?

Please call DPW&T, Road Maintenance & Construction Division of the Office of Highway Maintenance, at the phone number 301-499-8611, which is always printed on the Notices/Signs posted on a street at least 48 hours prior to start of construction.

11. When can I expect work to commence on the sidewalks on my street. I have an allocated customer service request number?

Subject to certain safety-related exceptions, the sidewalk remediation will normally be undertaken by County on first-come-first-served basis.

Exact work dates are generally not available until 30 days prior to commencement of work, as contractors set schedules based on personnel and equipment availability – this is also weather dependent. Contractors will install Notices/Signs on posts, trees, door handles informing about the times.

Sidewalk Repair:

Currently sidewalk work is taking approximately 12 months to complete.