The Mother of All Potholes in Ballston
It would swallow up a truck tire — maybe even a small motorcycle — if given a chance. This monster pothole, near Ballston Common Mall, is more than two feet deep, perhaps big enough to be classified as a sinkhole.
The pothole, which apparently extends into some sort of sewer line, is located in the turning lane of N. Carlin Springs Rd at the intersection with N. Glebe Rd.
An Arlington public works truck was on the scene earlier this afternoon, apparently waiting for some heavier machinery to arrive.
There are plenty of other potholes around Arlington, but this is probably the biggest. If there’s a suspension-twisting, tire-flattening pothole that you want to see patched, fill out this form on the county’s web site, or call 703-228-6570.
A county spokesperson says their crews are trying to take care of potholes within 72 hours but, due to the large number of potholes this year, meeting the 72 hour goal may be difficult.
Strong Winds Knocking Down Branches, Power Lines
Strong, gusty winds are knocking down tree branches large and small around Arlington.
Broken branches have been falling on roadways and on power lines, keeping police and power company crews busy all afternoon. As of 3:00 p.m., there were between 250 and 1,000 Dominion customers without power in Arlington, according to the company’s web site.
On S. Lincoln Street, near the Wendy’s on Columbia Pike, a large tree limb fell across the road, bringing a live power line with it.
On N. Carlin Springs Road, near the intersection with Route 50, a tree branch fell on power lines and caught on fire. The southbound lanes of N. Carlin Springs were shut down while police and fire personnel waited more than an hour for a Dominion crew to arrive.
Meanwhile, the National Weather Service has issued a high wind watch. Winds are expected to pick up tonight and into tomorrow, gusting as high as 60 miles per hour.
To Do Tonight: Wine Tasting in Shirlington
Support a local business and try some great wines tonight at the Curious Grape at 4056 Campbell Dr in Shirlington.
The free tasting includes “a diverse lineup of red, white, and sparkling… from top winemakers in Italy, Spain, and California and including a Prosecco and a splashy red from Rioja.”
The event will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 tonight.
Clarendon To Hold St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Today the Clarendon Alliance announced that in lieu of this year’s Mardi Gras parade, which was canceled due to snow, Clarendon will host a St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The parade is being held on Tuesday, March 16, the night before St. Paddy’s Day. It will kick off at 8:00 p.m. on Wilson Blvd at N. Barton St. The parade will then head up Wilson Blvd to the Clarendon Metro.
The official details are yet to be announced, but we’re told to expect homegrown floats, people in costumes, and marchers from various local organizations. We’re also told that this may turn into an annual event, if it proves to be successful.
Snow No, Wind Yes
The snow we were expecting, for once, did not materialize. Instead, it looks like we’ll have 40-50 mile per hour wind gusts later today.
County road crews, who were prepared to temporarily halt pothole repairs to focus on clearing snow, can now continue patching Arlington’s pockmarked streets.
