VDOT
Updated Tuesday, Jan. 7 at 8 a.m.
Many of Alexandria and Fairfax County roads remain snow-covered thanks to Winter Storm Blair. The snow has moved on, but frigid temperatures remain under sunny skies.
Snowplows are still out working to clear main roads now, focusing now more on secondary and neighborhood roads. Alexandria city staff clear snow from 561 lane miles of roadways, 20 miles of publicly-owned sidewalks and 44 acres of parking lots and publicly owned squares.
In Alexandria City, residents can go to apps.alexandriava.gov/SnowReport to see the current status of their street. A snowplow priority map is available here. The time it takes for city crews to clear all roads will depend on how long the snow lasts and the total amount we get.
In Fairfax County, Virginia Dept. of Transportation crews are responsible for clearing more than 14,000 lane miles. VDOT's clearance goals are to have all public roads cleared in 72 hours after the end of the snowstorm.
VDOT has a plow tracker here.
In both areas, apartment buildings, most townhomes complexes and neighborhoods with Home Owners' Associations are largely responsible for their own property, including streets and driveways.
Both Alexandria and Fairfax County are asking residents to clear snow from around fire hydrants to ensure the fire department has easy access to water if needed.
Schools are closed in Alexandria and Fairfax County Tuesday, Jan. 7, extending winter break for students for another day.
Alexandria City offices and facilities are closed on Tuesday. Garbage collection will slide by two days (so people who were supposed to put out their garbage and recycling Monday night will do so Wednesday night, instead).
Fairfax County government will open at 10 a.m. on Tuesday.
Snow Removal Tips
Shoveling that walkway? Be careful. Here are some tips from The Mayo Clinic:
- Wear several layers of clothing so you can add layers or remove layers as needed.
- Protect your face, hands and feet against frostbite.
- Shovel before the storm ends. It's easier to shovel small, lightweight amounts of snow than larger or compact amounts.
- Bend at your knees, and try to lift with your legs (not with your back) when lifting the shovel.
- Take breaks!
Driving Tips
The best driving tip during this snowstorm is: Don't.
Avoid making any trips onto the roads unless absolutely necessary, to give the plows and emergency crews time and space to work.
- If you do need to venture out, remove snow from your entire vehicle, including the roof, trunk and hood. Snow can fall off your car when you turn or drive, and it can block the visibility of cars around or behind you, causing accidents.
- Drive slowly and leave lots of room for stopping.
- If you begin to slide, take your foot off the gas.
Watch this video from the American Automobile Association (AAA) for more information on driving in the snow:
