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Old 12-21-2009, 03:27 PM
 
Location: Marshall-Shadeland, Pittsburgh, PA
32,616 posts, read 77,614,858 times
Reputation: 19102

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Well I just got in from running a few errands, and I can safely say that VDOT and/or Fairfax County haven't done a good job at all at clearing the snow from the streets throughout much of Reston. Reston Parkway and Baron Cameron Avenue, two of the primary thoroughfares through town, are cleared right down to the pavement, but on every other street I was on (Bennington Woods, Temporary, North Shore, etc.) I found myself zig-zagging fiercely to free myself from thick layers of slush and ice when I had to stop at a red light or stop sign. North Shore Drive is cleared right down to the pavement in sections and snowy in others. Temporary Road, a very congested road in Reston to begin with, was an absolute mess.

When are they going to start plowing the roads? More importantly, some roadways had so much snow melt today that there are HUGE pools of water in them. With no salt, won't this all just freeze up overnight? Does Virginia have something inherently against using salt?
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Old 12-21-2009, 03:43 PM
 
696 posts, read 1,694,944 times
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I'm sure that Virginia is more fond of salt than Seattle was. I'll have to pull the article from last winter at this time in Seattle. It was a nightmare! I was on Ox Rd and Braddock (near GMU) today and it was fine, just busy. Guinea was also good, but will freeze over tonight.
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Old 12-21-2009, 03:47 PM
 
4,709 posts, read 12,675,888 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScranBarre View Post
...When are they going to start plowing the roads? More importantly, some roadways had so much snow melt today that there are HUGE pools of water in them. With no salt, won't this all just freeze up overnight? Does Virginia have something inherently against using salt?

Those HUGE pools of water were caused by the use of salt/chemicals....every plow truck is also spreading a salt/sand mixture as they go along.

Ever seen those large brown igloo shaped structures that are scattered around the area? Those are for salt storage.
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Old 12-21-2009, 03:50 PM
 
Location: Marshall-Shadeland, Pittsburgh, PA
32,616 posts, read 77,614,858 times
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Won't the water ponding and pooling all over the place just refreeze tonight? It's supposed to dip down to around 20 degrees.
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Old 12-21-2009, 03:59 PM
 
2,076 posts, read 3,431,406 times
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I'm in Chantilly area and finally did get out today. The main roads were all fine, especially Rt. 50 and all the roads near Fair Oaks which are now in a state of gridlock. The problem is the neighborhood. Despite my belief that our cul-de-sac was missed, I discovered it's the entire neighborhood. Someone must have used a plow on the nearby street as it's in much better shape than anything else back here. So, it's typical northern Virginia (maybe elsewhere too), you're fine once you get to the main roads.

In the meantime, I discovered all kinds on interesting stuff on the VDOT websites. Check out VA511 for information on road conditions. Then on the VDOT site itself I discovered their youtube web videos. That really got me diverted when I found the one of bridge destruction set to opera,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJJo8CJpGWo Someone had way too much time on their hands (as I must right now if I'm watching this!)
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Old 12-21-2009, 04:06 PM
 
Location: Huntersville/Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC
26,699 posts, read 41,742,544 times
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I've been in my apt the last 3 days which overlooks 395 in Alexandria. 395 looks perfectly fine. The on and off ramps may give you a little trouble. My street is another story. Only one lane in each direction is clear. Forget about parking in the street because that is where all the snow got pushed to. Getting out of your respective complex's parking lot may be a problem as well. Could be worse but could be better also.
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Old 12-21-2009, 04:12 PM
 
4,709 posts, read 12,675,888 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ScranBarre View Post
Won't the water ponding and pooling all over the place just refreeze tonight? It's supposed to dip down to around 20 degrees.
It will if it gets cold enough, though salty water freezes at a lower temperature than pure water.

Not much can be done about it though when storm sewers become clogged with snow.
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Old 12-21-2009, 04:14 PM
 
372 posts, read 1,116,703 times
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This isn't PA. VA gets a snow storm like this ever 7-9 years. No point in having a bunch of snow plows sitting around for years not being used and wasting money. Stop whining, have some patients. The roads will be cleared soon. They have done a great job so far.
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Old 12-21-2009, 04:42 PM
 
1,014 posts, read 2,888,551 times
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Anybody know if 64 is alright? From Charlottesville to I-95?
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Old 12-21-2009, 04:48 PM
 
Location: Marshall-Shadeland, Pittsburgh, PA
32,616 posts, read 77,614,858 times
Reputation: 19102
Quote:
Originally Posted by blu_monk View Post
This isn't PA. VA gets a snow storm like this ever 7-9 years. No point in having a bunch of snow plows sitting around for years not being used and wasting money. Stop whining, have some patients. The roads will be cleared soon. They have done a great job so far.
1.) It's patience.

2.) This is NOT a "great job." It's been 48 hours since the storm stopped, and cars are still getting stuck.
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