Environmental Services
Where Does the Snow Go?
Due to limited space and the unprecedented snow accumulation this winter, Arlington County is hauling snow away to help clear paths for pedestrians in the Rosslyn-Ballston and the Jefferson Davis Corridors, especially near Metro stations. Crews use backhoes and dump trucks to haul the snow to several temporary storage locations throughout the County. These sites include:
- S. Clark St. site (just off Old Jefferson Davis Hwy,)
- Future Long Bridge Park (also off Old Jefferson Davis Hwy,)
- Virginia Highlands parking lot (off S. Hayes St. near 15th,)
- Barcroft #6 parking lot (off Four Mile Run Dr. near George Mason Dr.)
With the recent addition of another 10-12 inches of snow, we are looking at additional snow storage sites, such as other County parks’ parking lots or commuter lots.
Once the roadways are clear, crews will return to the snow storage sites with the County’s mechanical snow melter to melt the piles. Mother Nature is also expected to aid in the effort as warmer temperatures and sunshine return.
The County’s snow melter can melt roughly 60 tons of snow per hour. The melted snow will drain into the County’s stormwater sewer system, much like stormwater runoff from a rainstorm.
The melter is currently undergoing repairs in our equipment shop due to significant use this season and is expected to be up and running again within a day or two.
