Blizzard 2016: Wednesday Morning Update for Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- As of Wednesday morning, City of Alexandria crews report that all streets in Alexandria are passable for emergency vehicles.

The City and its residents, along with surrounding jurisdictions, have been in “cleanup” mode this week, after a historic blizzard smacked the area over the weekend with about 2 feet of snow.

“Passable” streets may have only one lane and may not be cleared curb-to-curb depending on volume of snow, parked vehicles, and equipment needs, the City notes. There are still approximately 80 snow trucks in operation around the city, and the City asks for everyone’s patience as crews work as quickly as possible to clear all streets.

Due to the volume of snow we received, residential roads across the region will not be clear for several more days, said City spokesman Craig Fifer, in an update Wednesday. “We will return to each street as soon as possible to improve travel lanes, turn lanes, intersections, and other problem areas.”

Sidewalks, driveways, and entrances are the responsibility of the adjacent property owner, occupant or community association. This is very important to ensure pedestrian safety and keep people from walking in the street, Fifer noted.

The deadline to clear sidewalks was 9 p.m. last night. 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.

However, we know that many folks have been working hard to shovel, and that plowing has created many high snowbanks. Inspectors will assess conditions before issuing citations and will work with property owners who have been making an effort.

Schools

All Alexandria City Public Schools are closed Wednesday; Arlington County, Fairfax County, Falls Church City Public Schools are also closed. DC public schools are open Wednesday.

Government offices

For Wednesday, Jan. 27, City government facilities normally scheduled to open before 10 a.m. will not open until 10 a.m. The Alexandria Courthouse at 520 King St. will be closed on Wednesday, and all recreation activities and classes will be canceled.

With supervisor approval, non-essential City employees may take unscheduled leave for Wednesday, Jan. 27. Non-essential personnel with telework agreements may telework with supervisor approval on Wed., January 27.

For details, see www.alexandriava.gov.

City libraries

Alexandria libraries will open from 11 am to 7 pm on Wednesday, Jan. 27, except the Law Library which will remain closed.

Any items which are due from Friday, Jan. 22 through Friday, Jan. 29 will be due on Saturday, Jan. 30, 2016.
Holds that expired during the inclement weather closure will be available for pick up through Monday, Feb. 1.

PHOTO from Patch archive