Arlington reviews snow removal efforts, plansimprovements
Published on Thu, Jan 15, 2009 by Carmell EmoryRead More Local News
1/15/09
Arlington reviews snow removal efforts, plans improvements
by Carmell Emory
Arlington city council members and citizens thanked city employees during the council's January 5 meeting for their efforts in removing snow and ice during the December storm. Jim Kelly, Arlington's Public Works Department director, wanted to share with the community what he believes "we did right and what we can improve on."
According to Kelly, Arlington currently has two snowplows, one grader, two backhoes, two dump trucks, and many snow shovels. The city also maintains 56 lane miles of a Snow Plan Route that is plowed and sanded for emergency vehicles. After the primary emergency roads are cleared, workers then focus on residential roads as time allows.
Despite these tactical measures, Kelly believes that city crews were "caught flat-footed" when the storm hit due to the mass accumulation of snow and ice, which some believe was a record-setting event. Looking back on the city's extreme weather strategy, Kelly and other city members believe they can do better in the years to come.
Arlington's first goal is to develop a Snow and Ice Removal Plan for the rest of 2009 while making additional long-term decisions in the summer. They hope to add to this plan after attending the annual Washington Snow and Ice Removal Conference later this year.
The next major decision is to add salt to the sand mixture, which will aid in the melting of the snow and ice. The Public Works Department is also considering adding snowplows and sand dispensers to the two dump trucks and training staff members to drive those vehicles.
Possibly the most beneficial addition to the new plan involves getting the information to Arlington residents.
By next winter, the city hopes to have a Snow Alert link on its website that will provide up-to-date information for citizens and provide them with contacts for assistance if needed. They also hope to incorporate a phone and e-mail source for people to alert others of trouble spots in the city.
