Alexandria Snowfall Guide: Snow Removal, Traffic Updates

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Wow, that escalated quickly. What weather forecasters predicted would only be a slight chance for a few snowflakes on Saturday morning has turned into a forecast of up to four inches for our area and a winter weather advisory. Here's what you need to know about snow removal and what it could mean for traffic in the area.

Who removes the snow in Alexandria?
The city clears snow from 560 lane miles of roadways, 20 miles of publicly owned sidewalks, walkways, and pathways, and 44 acres of municipal parking lots and publicly owned squares. Typically, alleys and non-municipal parking lots are not part of the city’s snow removal operations.

View this map for snow removal priorities.

Download your own copy of Snow and Ice Control information for Alexandria.

What Are Snow Emergency Routes?

Snow emergency routes are posted with red and white signs, and listed in the City Code:

• King Street from Union Street to the western city limit
• Washington Street from city limit to city limit
• Duke Street from Washington Street to the western city limit
• U.S. Route No. 1 from city limit to city limit
• Braddock Road from North West Street to Beauregard Street
• Howard Street from Braddock Road to Jordan Street
• Jordan Street from Duke Street to Howard Street
• Eisenhower Avenue from Holland Lane to Van Dorn Street

When Will My Street Be Plowed?

To check on the plowing priority and status of your street and/or submit a concern, use the city’s SnowReport tracking system or call 703.746.4357.

• Primary routes are the first priority for plowing and applying materials; they include the major streets and snow emergency routes that run throughout the city and near schools and hospitals. Plow trucks are first assigned to primary routes and then move quickly to secondary routes.
• Secondary routes include local and neighborhood streets and most Metro and DASH bus routes. Plowing of these routes often occurs in tandem with or closely after the plowing of some primary routes. Depending on the severity of the storm, Metro and DASH may offer limited service or temporarily shut down.
• Intermediate routes include any streets requiring special attention in snowy conditions (such as steep hills) that are not currently classified as primary or secondary routes. Intermediate routes also include a few smaller residential streets that are more commercial in use (i.e. service several businesses and/or industrial buildings). Plowing of these routes often occurs in tandem with or closely after the plowing of some secondary routes. Upon completion of intermediate routes, crews will move into residential routes.

What about walkways and sidewalks?

During a storm, check www.alexandriava.gov for the storm response level. Failure to clear sidewalks may result in the city having the work done and charging the cost to the property owner, or fining the property owner $50. Clearing the sidewalk of ice and snow is the responsibility of owners and tenants. Owners and tenants who may be unavailable or unable to clear sidewalks themselves are responsible for making arrangements to have the work done for them.

To report a violation of the sidewalk ordinance, call 703-746-4357. Accessible curb ramps, sidewalks and pathways that connect to publicly owned property are cleared by crews from city departments or Alexandria City Public Schools personnel.

The sidewalks are prioritized into three basic groups:

• First priority: School walking areas, accessible curb ramps and sidewalks near key transit stops such as Metro stations, and retail zones.
• Second priority: Walks expanding out from schools, parks, and municipal locations.
• Third priority: Trails, pathways internal to parks, and bike paths. (The Mount Vernon Trail is maintained by the National Park Service and is not plowed during snow events).

During less severe storms, priorities include schools and accessible curb ramps in heavily used pedestrian areas, particularly near major transit stops and retail zones along King Street (Commonwealth Avenue to Union Street) and Mount Vernon Avenue (East Glendale Avenue to Four Mile Road).

How Can Residents Help?

• Clear ice, snow and leaves from around fire hydrants and storm drains.
• Do not shovel snow from your property onto the sidewalk or street.
• Park your car off the street wherever possible.
• Immediately report potholes to the City online or at 703.746.HELP (703.746.4357).
• Check on neighbors needing assistance

What tips should I observe while shoveling?

• Shovel early and often. Newly fallen snow is lighter than heavily packed or partially melted snow. It is also important to keep a path to your door in case you need to leave in an emergency.
• Push the snow instead of lifting it. Keep the shovel close to your body, and space your hands to increase leverage. If you must lift snow, lift properly. Squat with your legs apart, knees bent and back straight. Lift with your legs; do not bend at the waist. Scoop small amounts of snow into the shovel and walk to where you want to dump it.
• Do not throw the snow over your shoulder or to the side. This action requires a twisting motion that stresses your back.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion.
• Don't pick up that shovel without a doctor's permission if you have a history of heart disease. If you feel tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately.
• Do not let a hat or scarf block your vision. Watch out for ice patches and uneven surfaces. Avoid falls by wearing shoes/boots that have slip-resistant soles.
• Snow is a powerful light reflector on sunny days. Wear sunglasses to prevent “snow blindness.”
• Pace yourself. Shoveling snow is an aerobic activity, comparable to weightlifting. Take frequent breaks from the cold and the effort, and replenish fluids to prevent dehydration.

How will this affect traffic?

Since the snow is falling on Saturday, we'll be spared a rush-hour nightmare in the D.C. area. However, it can still cause problems, so you should monitor the National Weather Service's social media feeds for any updates.

Where to find snow closings and cancelations?

City government closings and cancellations are communicated by the city website, eNews alert messages, and social media, including the city of Alexandria Facebook page and on Twitter. School closing announcements due to inclement weather are available from the Alexandria City Public Schools via telephone, the ACPS web site or Emergency E-news.

Image via Virginia Department of Transportation