Guide To Snow Removal, Closures, More In Vienna

VIENNA, VA—Snow is expected to continue through much of the day Wednesday in Vienna. Forecasters are now calling for 4 to 8 inches of snow as the region remains under a winter storm warning until 8 p.m.

Town of Vienna and Fairfax County governments are closed, and Town employees have the option of liberal leave on Thursday, March 22. Meanwhile, crews are mobilizing to treat roads and many services are closed in Vienna.

Here are some things to know about snow removal, closures and more during the storm.

What is closed around Vienna?

• Town of Vienna offices: Employees can request liberal leave for March 22.
• Fairfax County offices
• State offices
• Courts
• Fairfax County Public Schools
• Trash and recycling collection: Cancelled. Wednesday collection will resume next week.
• Fairfax County libraries
• Vienna Community Center: Parks and recreation classes are cancelled.
• Fairfax County recreation centers

What is open around Vienna?

• Emergency services
  
  • Report downed trees to 703-255-6360 during regular business hours or the non-emergency police line at 703-255-6366 after
• Dominion Power: Report an outage to 866-DOM-HELP (866-366-4357) or online.
• Fairfax Water: Report a water main break online, email watermainbreak@fairfaxwater.org or call 703-698-5613.
• Metrorail: Trains are operating on a modified weekday schedule both above and below ground. Expect delays. See more information from WMATA.
• Metrobus: Buses will be reduced by about 60 percent under the moderate snow plan. Some routes will not operate, and riders should plan for delays.
• Fairfax County Connector Bus: Buses will operate on a Saturday schedule. Some routes will not operate. See more information here.

Who removes the snow in Vienna?

The Town of Vienna is responsible for snow removal on its public streets. Workers will treat and plow the roads until all public roads are clear of snow and deemed safe. Treating roads begins before a storm, while plowing will happen with an accumulation of two inches or more. The Town of Vienna urges residents to avoid parking on-street and on snow emergency routes to alleviate snow removal.

The Virginia Department of Transportation covers the roads in Fairfax County, except for a few private roads that are the responsibility of the homeowner or a homeowner association. Fairfax County does clear a few roads, mostly around police and fire stations, for example. VDOT trucks are out plowing and treating roads. Drivers are urged to use caution around the plowing trucks.

Which streets are the first priority when it snows?

Primary streets are typically plowed first in Vienna, followed by secondary streets. For VDOT, treatment priorities are on major highways and primary roadways, then snow emergency routes and heavily traveled roads, and remaining roads handled by VDOT.

Who is responsible for treating walkways and sidewalks?

Fairfax County residents are asked to help clear sidewalks in front of residences and businesses to keep them safe for pedestrians and particularly children and those with disabilities or the elderly. If you're part of a homeowner association, you may be required to do so, so contact your association if you're not sure.

Fairfax County recommends that you consider removing ice in the following seven places:

• The sidewalk in front of your home
• The sidewalk in front of vacant homes or homes where residents are unable to shovel
• Fire hydrants
• Bus stops (there are more than 4,000 in the county!)
• Sidewalks/paths that lead to schools or community buildings where snow has been removed
• Bike trails
• Storm drains

What does the storm mean for traffic?

Officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads due to hazardous conditions and crews working on snow removal and road treatment. Temperatures near freezing could mean continuing potential for slick road conditions and refreezing.

If you have to go out, drive slowly and cautiously when road conditions worsen and when plowing trucks are around. 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

Are outages possible?

So far it's not been an issue, but forecasters said heavy snow does bring potential for trees and tree branches to fall and bring down power lines. Dominion Power customers should report outages online or by calling 866-366-4357. Plan ahead by keeping your phone charged and following other outage safety preparations.

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