Baltimore County neighbors report uneven snow and ice cleanup, raising safety concerns on residential streets

Residents cite blocked lanes and icy intersections after late-January storm

Residents in several Baltimore County neighborhoods say road conditions remain difficult well after a recent snow-and-ice event, describing narrowed residential streets, untreated ice, and intersections they believe are still hazardous for everyday travel.

In the Anneslie area near Towson, neighbors reported that two-way streets have effectively become one-lane corridors in places where snow was pushed to the sides but not fully removed. Residents said some blocks appeared to receive limited plowing without follow-up salting, leaving compacted snow and ice that can persist when temperatures stay below freezing.

At the same time, some residents pointed to what they viewed as inconsistent results across nearby communities, with certain streets appearing more thoroughly cleared than others. The contrast has fueled frustration among neighbors who say they are still navigating tight turns, reduced visibility at corners, and constrained access for larger vehicles.

County response: crews worked extended shifts across a large road network

Baltimore County public works officials said snow crews worked for several days as they treated and plowed roads across roughly 2,700 miles of county-maintained streets. The county said crews had made roads passable while continuing cleanup work, noting that the volume of snow and limited space to store it can slow progress once an initial pass is completed.

Residents interviewed in the affected neighborhoods disputed that conditions were fully “passable” in all areas, arguing that some streets remain too narrow for normal two-way flow and that untreated ice can quickly refreeze, particularly at shaded intersections and along curb lines.

Why cleanup can stall after the first pass

Late-stage cleanup typically becomes more complicated when snow is packed down by traffic or layered with ice, requiring more than a single plow pass. In these situations, salting schedules, temperature swings, and the availability of specialized equipment can determine whether streets return to full width quickly or remain constricted for days.

Residents also emphasized that corner lots and intersections leading to major roads are a particular concern, where turning movements and merging can force vehicles into the same narrowed track.

How to report problems and what neighbors are considering next

County officials directed residents with concerns about ice, snow removal, or roadside cleanup to contact the Baltimore County Department of Public Works and Transportation at 410-887-3560.

Some neighborhood leaders said they are exploring private contracting options for additional plowing, a step that can be considered when residents believe public resources are not reaching certain streets quickly enough.

• Common issues cited by residents: untreated ice, narrowed streets, and risky intersections.
• County focus areas during extended operations: maintaining passability and continuing follow-up work where conditions persist.

Residents described a cleanup that, in their view, varies block by block—leaving some streets significantly more difficult to navigate than others.