Northwood News ♦ June 2009

Lights Out?

By Jim Zepp

Do you know of a street­light in the neighborhood that is out or flashing off-and-on?  The Montgomery County Department of Transportation offers several ways that you can report a malfunctioning streetlight.

If you go to the DOT web­site at www.montgomerycountymd.gov/dot and click on “Get It Fixed.”  Click on “Streetlight.”  [Note:  This is the same place you can request repairs of potholes, roads, sidewalks, street signs, and traffic signals or debris pickup.]  You will be shown three different ways to report a streetlight problem — locating a streetlight using an interactive map (which you can search by address or intersection), submitting an online request form, or calling 311.  You can also call the DOT at 240.777.6000 or fax a completed report form to 240.777.2080.  It is important to give an accurate location in your report so the correct streetlight is checked.

According to the DOT website, after they have been notified, the request will be investigated within five business days.  Repairs can range from simply replacing a light bulb to more extensive work, or even no power, which will require a longer time to repair.  However, if a taped red “X” appears on the streetlight pole, a “No Voltage” condition (no power) has been identified and Pepco will be notified to repair the service disruption to the streetlight, which may take several weeks or months to properly complete the repair.

[Note:  The MCDOT website and directions as printed in the newsletter have been updated to reflect changes since 2009.]    ■