Arlington Prepares for Winter Weather
December 07, 2011
- New snow removal phases will help residents prepare, stay informed
- Online traffic cameras help drivers assess road conditions
- ART designates emergency weather routes
Arlington, VA – Arlington County is preparing for the winter weather season and introducing new tools to help residents stay informed before, during and after a winter storm. To better share information about snow operations and removal, the County has developed a snow removal phase system, is sharing tips for winter weather preparedness and making traffic cameras available through the Snow and Ice Central web page.
When forecasters predict winter weather — snow, ice or freezing rain — Arlington’s plows and salt trucks are prepped and ready to go. Residents, at any time, can check the storm’s progress, track the County’s efforts to clear streets of snow, and learn how to best prepare for the winter weather. The current phase will be posted on the County web site and social media channels. Here’s a snapshot at Arlington’s snow phase system:
|
Phase 1: Alert - Snow crews are on alert and treating roads where necessary.
|
|
Phase 2: Primary Routes - A winter weather storm is in progress. Snow crews are treating and plowing primary and secondary roads only while snow continues to fall. VDOT is treating and plowing VDOT roads.
|
|
Phase 3: Residential Streets - Crews are treating and plowing residential streets. Residential streets may only be passable with one lane. Primary and secondary roads are being widened to the shoulder.
|
|
Phase 4: Clean Up
Snow crews are in clean up mode, removing ice and slush from roads and/or the sun is helping to melt ice. |
The complete snow removal phase information is available online. For snow removal updates, follow the Department of Environmental Services on Facebook at facebook.com/ArlingtonDES or on Twitter.com/ArlingtonDES.
Traffic Cameras Supporting Snow Removal
In an effort to provide more information about snow removal operations, Arlington has a new tool available to help residents make informed decisions about traveling in winter weather. View road conditions via live traffic cameras on the Snow and Ice Central web page.
ART Designates Snow Routes
During a severe winter weather event, Arlington Transit (ART) will operate at one of three levels - limited, severe, or no service. ART bus routes are designed to serve local neighborhoods, often via hills or narrow side streets that are often the first to become impacted by snow and ice.
To help riders know which buses will still be running, ART is designating snow emergency routes and stops with blue snowflake decals on bus stop flags. Routes that are serviced - with some restrictions - during severe weather conditions are ART 41, 51, 75 and 77. Check www.arlingtontransit.com or call 703-228-7433 for the current service status.
Snow Removal Ordinance
Don’t forget that Arlington has a Snow Removal Ordinance that requires all Arlington property owners clear snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property within a designated time period. To learn more about the ordinance, read the FAQ.
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.
