Major Road Conditions Improve, But County Urges People to Stay Home As Snow Removal Continues
(Updated at 2:25 p.m.) The snowflakes have finally stopped falling, and now Arlingtonians are starting to dig out from the first big snow storm of the new year.
With county schools and offices all closed (to say nothing of the federal government), traffic is light on area roads and highways. All Arlington Department of Parks and Recreation facilities have also since been closed, and all programs cancelled.
But if you do need to venture out today (Monday), highways and even most highly trafficked roads around the county look pretty clear.
However, crews are still working to reach many neighborhood streets, and county police are urging people to stay off the road, if possible.
The snow may have stopped falling but freezing overnight has left icy conditions. Please continue to limit driving to allow crews to treat the roadways. If you must drive, remove ALL snow and ice off your entire vehicle before you travel. #ArlWX https://t.co/xTCLBkKG98
— ArlingtonCountyPD (@ArlingtonVaPD) January 14, 2019
PLEASE stay off the roads for plows and emergency vehicles unless 100% necessary. Conditions vary and are treacherous in some areas on GW Parkway, BW Parkway, Suitland Parkway & Rock Creek Parkway. Refreezing will make traveling treacherous & dangerous if crews can't clear roads.
— Jenny A-S NPS (@NPSJennyAS) January 14, 2019
Metrorail service is running as normal, but many Metrobus routes are delayed due to icy conditions. WMATA says the 16C, 16E, 16G, 23B and 28A routes could all be affected.
Arlington Transit buses are running on reduced schedules on the 41, 51, 55 and 87 lines, while service on the 77 line is currently suspended. Virginia Railway Express won’t run any trains today.
Be sure to check with the organizers of any events you might’ve planned on attending tonight, as many have already been cancelled. For instance, the county has called off its open house on longe-range planning for new cycling infrastructure, originally set to be held at Phoenix Bikes.
If you are at home today, you might want to break out the snow shovel — a county ordinance calls for all residents and businesses to clear off adjacent sidewalks by 3 p.m. Tuesday.
Big snow + sidewalk ordinance deadline of 3 am Tuesday (24 hours after last flakes) = Bengay Day. https://t.co/sB1uWHeUNc #ArlWX pic.twitter.com/Mv72s14Fxv
— Arlington Department of Environmental Services (@ArlingtonDES) January 14, 2019
