Guide To Road Treatment, Snow Removal, Outages In Alexandria

Alexandria will be under a winter storm warning Wednesday as a wintry mix moves into the area and turns into snow in the early morning. The rain and snow mix with temperatures in the 30s will create hazardous road conditions.

Capital Weather Gang forecasters predict Alexandria could receive 2 to 5 inches or snow, with a worst-case scenario of 5 to 8 inches and a best-case scenario of less than 2 inches.

SEE ALSO:

• Winter Storm: Alexandria Hour-By-Hour Forecast
• Alexandria Schools Change Schedule For March 20

Ahead of the snowfall, here are some things to know:

Who treats the snow and ice 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 and download the Snow and Ice Control information for Alexandria. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app; download the free Patch Android app here.)

What are the 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

What are the priorities for plowing?

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.

Who is responsible for clearing 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 happens if outages occur?

Heavy snow causing trees and tree branches to fall and bring down power lines will be a concern Wednesday. Dominion Power customers should report outages online or by calling 866-366-4357. Plan ahead by keeping your phone charge and following other outage safety preparations.

How do residents check closings and cancellations?

City government closings and cancellations are communicated on the city website, by eNews alert messages, and on 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.

What does the storm mean for traffic?

A wintry mix on Tuesday and snow on Wednesday morning could make the rush hour commutes difficult. Temperatures near freezing could mean continuing potential for slick road conditions and refreezing.

Commuters should monitor the forecast and check the road conditions before driving. Drivers should go slowly when roads are slick and trucks are plowing the roads. For statewide highway information, call 511 or visit to 511virginia.org.

VDOT offers these tips for driving during the winter storm:

• Ensure gas and wiper fluid tanks are full, and have a good emergency kit. Visit ready.gov/car for preparation tips.
• Before beginning your trip, know the current road conditions and weather forecast.
• Clear the snow and ice from your vehicle’s roof, hood and trunk and especially from the windows, mirrors and lights.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Leave a few minutes early.
• Start out slowly in the lowest gear recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
• Don't pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.
• Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car.
• Drive smart

Image via skatzenberger/Shutterstock