Alexandria Snow Storm: Deadline For Snow Clearing On Sidewalks Set

ALEXANDRIA, VA — After a winter storm with heavy snow, Alexandria shared a deadline for property owners to clear sidewalks, per the city's ordinance.

Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks, driveways and entrances in front of their properties, according to a city ordinance. The deadline for clearing sidewalks depends on how much snow falls. Because the snowfall was a level 1 storm with up to 8 inches, paths must be cleared within 24 hours of the snowfall stopping. That deadline for clearing sidewalks is 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13.

A violation of the snow clearing ordinance can result in a $50 fine and the cost of the city clearing the sidewalk. Residents may report concerns with sidewalk clearing by calling 311 or 703-746-4311.

Volunteer Alexandria has a Snow Buddy program to help low-income seniors, homebound or disabled residents with clearing snow. Volunteers may reach out to Volunteer Alexandria to help with the program.

If the storm had brought 8 inches of snow (level 2), paths must be cleared 48 hours after snowfall stops. Blizzards or heavy snow storms (level 3) bring a requirement of clearing paths within 72 hours of snowfall stopping.

Alexandria prepared for the storm with snow plowing crews and a reminder to property owners on the sidewalk clearing ordinance.

Alexandria and the rest of the region are under a winter storm warning from the National Weather Service from 1 p.m. Tuesday to 7 a.m. Wednesday. Many areas could see 3 to 6 inches of snow, but 4 to 8 inches are possible in areas south and west of DC.

The City of Alexandria's Transportation and Environmental Services crews are responsible for clearing 561 lane miles of roadways, 20 miles of publicly owned sidewalks, walkways and pathways, and 44 acres of municipal parking lots and publicly owned squares. Ahead of the snow, crews brined priority roadways, particularly ice-prone areas like hills, bridges and overpasses. The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities has pre-treated schools, Metrorail stations, and recreation facilities and will continue treatment as needed.

In light of the winter storm, the Winter Shelter at 2355-A Mill Road will extend its hours from 7 p.m. Monday to 7 a.m. Thursday.

SEE ALSO: Heavy Snow Approaches NoVA: See Latest Timeline For Snowfall

City crews prioritize snow plowing on snow emergency routes and other primary roads, followed by secondary routes and hills, then intermediate and lastly residential streets. During a level 1 storm with up to 8 inches of snow, crews will work on clearing snow-covered roads and sidewalks and making schools passible. However, the city says all roads and sidewalks may not be completely clear for three days.

Residents may use the SnowReport tracking system to check the road plowing status and check VDOT's 511 or call 511 for real-time conditions on key regional routes.

If the city declares a snow emergency, residents must move vehicles off snow emergency routes. Those include:

• King Street from Union Street to the western city limit
• Washington Street from city limit to city limit
• Duke Street from Washington Street to the western city limit
• U.S. Route 1 from city limit to city limit
• Braddock Road from North West Street to Beauregard Street
• Howard Street from Braddock Road to Jordan Street
• Jordan Street from Duke Street to Howard Street
• Eisenhower Avenue from Holland Lane to Van Dorn Street

The city crews will also clear public sidewalks, starting with school walking areas accessible curb ramps and sidewalks near key transit stops such as Metro stations, and retail zones. Secondary areas cleared will be walks expanding out from schools, parks, and municipal locations. The last paths cleared are trails, pathways inside parks and bike baths. The National Park Service is responsible for clearing the Mount Vernon Trail.

The city encourages residents to stay updated with city alerts and weather information from the National Weather Service. For more information on the response to snow, visit alexandriava.gov/snow.