Are the roads/trails you use clear of snow? [Archive]

Unregistered

02-04-2010, 02:12 PM

Wherever the Custis is in shade the conditions are nearly impassable. Had to ride on the "grass" or walk in several places this morning. Bad spots include from Rosslyn's Air Force Assn. up past Scott St. to I-66, then a brief break followed by bad conditions on the entire stretch along I-66 to Lyon Village, where I leave the trail. Roosevelt Bridge was mostly OK this morning, but the footbridge from Rosslyn over the GW Parkway was very bumpy packed snow.

There have been a few times when Arlington was able to plow the Custis after a snow storm, and those were very much appreciated. If plowing were possible after this weekend's predicted blizzard it would add a week or more use to the trail.

Chris Eatough

02-04-2010, 02:30 PM

Yes, the conditions are tricky today on DC and Arlington trails.
I rode in this morning on Capital Crescent Trail.
It was rideable with mountain bike tires, but only just.
The path worn by walkers could be followed.
Biker tracks were slippery ruts.
At least it was below freezing, so the snow was firm.
It will probably be a little slippery on the way home today.
Tomorrows snowstorm is going to hit the trails hard.
Snow ploughing the trails would be great, but the snow removal crews are going to have their hands full with the roads, and everyone's snow removal budgets are already blown for the winter.
Can anyone remember a winter with this much snow in this area?
If we get anywhere close to the 20 inches of snow that is forecast, we will be well over 50 inches in the last 2 months!

Scottrick

02-04-2010, 04:42 PM

Regarding whether we are setting a record for snow fall this year, the WaPo's article yesterday on the area's snowfall reported that the 48 inches in the winter of '96 was the most in the past 30 years (I think I'm remembering the figures correctly).

Tim Kelley

02-09-2010, 09:54 AM

I got word from the Parks and Trails manager about clearing local trails:

"There is no plan to clear any trail at this time. All resources are dedicated to street clearing. Streets are the first priority for emergency vehicle access and so residents can get out of their homes for necessities. Additional snow is on the way and it will be several weeks until snow gets cleared at other locations. If weather becomes favorable, it will help us."

I've seen lots of pictures of trail users out on cross country skis--at least if we bikers can't use it, I'm glad some people are getting exercise and enjoyment out of it!

Unregistered

02-09-2010, 01:11 PM

As we wait for the next onslaught I wonder if Hains point roads got plowed. I'd like to do a run there. Also, if already plowed, I'm hoping that by Thursday night they'll be clear for a ride.

Tim Kelley

02-09-2010, 01:45 PM

Tim Kelley

02-09-2010, 10:53 PM

Here's a picture of the Capital Crescent trail: http://washcycle.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8345198c369e20128777941fa970c-popup via The WashCycle.

Unregistered

02-11-2010, 06:47 PM

I'd like to. But help, I'm going to get fat!

Since federal worker subsidies for commuting don't apply to cyclists who turn to metro only after this type of severe weather, it is plausible to state that cyclists are by far the least appreciated but actually the most environmentally effective commuters.

I'm guessing it will be at least 2 weeks before I can commute by bike safely again. snif.

Unregistered

02-15-2010, 11:36 PM

As I was forced to drive into DC this morning, I caught a longing glimpse of the Custis trail as it runs next to 29 and over I-66 coming into Rosslyn. I was horrified to see that all the snow from the road had been dumped onto the trail and it is now under a giant, dirty 6 foot snow bank! Can't a cyclist get any respect around here? I fear it will be June before that huge pile melts!

What's the average amount of weight a cyclist during a winter storm and its aftermath?

Unregistered

02-16-2010, 10:56 PM

It's likely that Hains Point hasn't gotten plowed since the last storm, usually it takes them awhile to get down there and judging by the state of DC roads it may be a couple weeks--can anyone confirm?

Is it possible that the upkeep of Hains Point is controlled by the National Park Service and not the DC government (and therefore a better chance that it has been cleared)?

Tim Kelley

02-17-2010, 11:11 AM

Here's what I have on Hains Point from twitter (http://www.twitter.com/bikearlington):

"Hains Point is barely plowed. I wouldn't even classify it as plowed. #dctrails"

Tim Kelley

02-17-2010, 03:45 PM

Here's a picture of Hains Point taken today: http://tweetphoto.com/11693890

(Taken here (http://maps.google.com/maps?q=38.878589,-77.02961&num=1&t=h&sll=38.892209,-77.070837&sspn=0.017774,0.02622&ie=UTF8&ll=38.878572,-77.029674&spn=0.013096,0.01929&z=16))

Tim Kelley

02-18-2010, 08:57 AM

Here's something that came over the Bicycle Advisory Committee mailing list:

"None of the sections of the custis trail, bluemont junction, fairfax ave connector, or wod in the bluemont area have been cleared. All are iced over now."

Tim Kelley

02-18-2010, 09:38 AM

Here are a few pictures taken recently (http://www.jessdillman.com/arlington-residents-need-safe-pedestrian-trai) of sections of the Custis trail:

106 107 108
(Click to enlarge)

Tim Kelley

02-19-2010, 10:54 AM

Regarding the post above with the picture of the Custis Trail, word on the street is that it was VDOT that cleared the Lee Highway section of road and made those large piles, NOT Arlington County.

The good news is that over this weekend the County will be working with a contractor with dump trucks and a loader to get ride of these large piles. They won't be able able to go up the path with the heavy equipment alongside the sound barrier wall because it is too narrow, but the large piles at the intersections should be taken care of!

Unregistered

02-22-2010, 11:13 AM

Tim Kelley

02-22-2010, 11:24 AM

Word is that one lane was plowed all around and it is melting well.

Here's a tweet on it: "HainsPoint is open! Dry pavement narrows to one lane in places. Full speed skating, biking is back! #dctrails"

YBB

02-22-2010, 05:10 PM

Any update on Hains? Thanks.
Rode it Sunday, some piles of snow off to the sides, but mostly two clear lanes the whole way round

Scott T

02-23-2010, 11:41 AM

Custis trail is going to require some serious work. In several places the county (or someone) plowed the snow down the side streets right onto the trail at the end (e.g., Wakefield and Vernon just past Glebe road). There are trees down across the trail (at least one at Vernon). The Italian Store shopping center plowed all of its snow onto the trail right behind the CVS so even though the trail is melting fast, there is a 15 foot high mound there that will take forever to melt by itself.

today I rode neighborhood roads through Arlington to Veitch St, no problem. Then the trail is cleared from Veitch down to Key Bridge Marriott. But once you cross Lynn St, the path down to Roosevelt Island is very bad. Almost the entire way covered with deep (4-6 inches) rutted, choppy slush/snow. I tried to ride on my cyclocross bike with studded tires but was too quickly bounced off line into a deep rut or something. I could see where at least one mountain bike had tried and slid around quite a bit. My suspension MTB may have been ok because it's the choppiness that throws the cross bike off the firm path and into the deep slush.

The overpass over GW parkway is the same. The Roosevelt Island parking lot is clean but the Mt Vernon trail on the other side is more of the deep, rutted, bumpy slush/snow. I tried to ride it on the narrow area that look walked on, but again didn't make it far before having to step off. I took a look down the board walk and just kept walking up the ramp to the bridge. More of the same as far as I could see. Once up on the bridge, it's clear all the way across except for 1 or 2 small piles of snow that you can easily go around.

Dirt

02-23-2010, 11:59 AM

I was horrified to see that all the snow from the road had been dumped onto the trail and it is now under a giant, dirty 6 foot snow bank! Can't a cyclist get any respect around here? I fear it will be June before that huge pile melts!

This has been the norm around here for years. I normally install the studded tires and ride through it all.... hiking when I need to. The most recent storm was big enough that I'm really not that upset that all the snow got dumped onto the trails. Hopefully someone will come along and clear off some access for us.

I did notice that in the last storm (end of January) that Falls Church shoveled the entry and exit of the W&OD at each street crossing. They got flack for piling up the snow in front of the trail during previous storms. It was cool to see improvement there.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4327763452_4c4f7ac78f.jpg
Image from Feb 2, 2010 commute on the W&OD in Falls Church.

I fear that conditions will be what I call "Pedestrian Ice" for a few more weeks as this stuff melts. That is particularly not good for me since I'm going to be riding a trike while my recently dislocated shoulder rehabs. GRRRrrrr.

Enjoy.

Pete

jabberwocky

02-23-2010, 01:06 PM

I'm planning on spot checking the W&OD in a few spots in Reston tonite. I'd like to resume commuting. I've heard they are going to do some plowing on the W&OD, but dunno if its been done or even if its accurate.

The 7100 trail (which I use to get to the W&OD) is a disaster. Most of the snow from 7100 was pushed right up onto it where I'd be riding. I have a road route I can use instead though, assuming the W&OD is ridable.

I fear that conditions will be what I call "Pedestrian Ice" for a few more weeks as this stuff melts. That is particularly not good for me since I'm going to be riding a trike while my recently dislocated shoulder rehabs. GRRRrrrr.One thing the GF found with her trike is that you at least don't have to worry about going down (you just slide if you hit ice). The downside is that its bumpy as hell and the wide track makes dodging ice hard to do.

Dirt

02-23-2010, 02:05 PM

One thing the GF found with her trike is that you at least don't have to worry about going down (you just slide if you hit ice). The downside is that its bumpy as hell and the wide track makes dodging ice hard to do.
With my luck over the last year I'll find a way to fall off the damn thing.

One reason that I picked the trike that I did was that I can build a second set of wheels with slightly smaller diameter wheels and fatter tires to get almost identical outside wheel diameter. Schwalbe makes studded winter tires in the 16 and 20" sizes that I'd be building. If I build this thing, it will likely be the only SRAM Red equipped tricycle with studded snow tires in existence. Yes. I'm a moron.

Love,

Pete

Tim Kelley

02-23-2010, 02:11 PM

If I build this thing, it will likely be the only SRAM Red equipped tricycle with studded snow tires in existence. Yes. I'm a moron.

PICS or it didn't happen!! Can't wait to see how it turns out...

Dirt

02-23-2010, 02:34 PM

PICS or it didn't happen!! Can't wait to see how it turns out...

It isn't built yet. The trike hasn't arrived yet either. Unfortunately it is likely 3 weeks out. I have a pile of parts awaiting installation. I went with SRAM Red stuff for the most part. I thought DI2 would be overkill. LOL

Unregistered

02-24-2010, 10:53 PM

I've been checking my W&OD entry point just about every day and it barely seems to change. Some trail is visible where it crosses Great Falls, but near the Van Buren entrance to East Falls Church park you can barely see where the path should be. Don't get me started on the Tuckahoe entrance and its 10 ft snow pile blocking the way! I'm seriously considering getting out my shovel on Saturday and just clearing the path off myself!

consularrider

02-25-2010, 11:09 AM

Nadine

02-25-2010, 11:12 PM

From my rides yesterday and today, it does not appear that any of the access trails to the W&OD or Custis Trails have been cleared. Since I live near one, I will undertake to clear it tonight. Any more volunteers?

I'm interested in shoveling the trouble spots on the Custis. I rode it today & it's a lot more passable than I'd expected. I think it was plowed after that 2-3 foot snowfall we got around 2/6, but before the 6-10" we got on the 11th-12th (I think I have the dates right.) There's a good bit of snow between COurthouse and Spout Run -- probably not higher than a couple of inches in any one place, and not more than 3-6 hours' shoveling. Other than that area, there are maybe an hour's worth of snowy/icy spots that could use a bit of cleanup, but they can be gotten around. I might work on it some tomorrow -- but expect to spend more time on it on SUnday.

So -- unfortunately it's a completely different area from where you're looking for volunteers...... but at least you know there are other people shoveling other bits of bikepath......

OH and the downed trees are a problem too. 5 trouble spots on the Custis. Two were obstructing the path almost completely -- but I was able to get my bike under them. HOpe Arlington COunty can take care of them sometime -- they're usually great about that. Must be the same people who've been getting the snow......

consularrider

02-26-2010, 01:36 PM

Actually, when I got home last night the acess path to the W&OD from 4 Mile Run by Ohio St had been cleared a show shovel's width. I still went back and chopped out two yard long ice patches on it. While many of the patches seem relatively easy to clear, the melting has created ice streams that need a harder/sharper edged implement than your standard snow shovel.

Unregistered

02-27-2010, 03:00 PM

I just put in about 3 hours worth of shoveling and ice chopping to clear out some trouble spots on the W&OD near the entrance to East Falls Church/Banneker Park. There was a 4-5 foot snow bank blocking the entrance from Tuckahoe street which I cut through. I also cleared a path through the snow from the wooden bridge (which by the way has been redone!) up to where the soccer field begins (from there it is dry pavement as far as I could see). I know the Van Buren entrance is highly preferred, but the Tuckahoe entrance was a much more realistic job to tackle.

I haven't been able to check out the trail further east, but some bikers who passed through as I was working told me that the W&OD from East Falls Church to Custis is pretty good except that the hill at Brandymore Castle is a mess. I also heard the Custis is pretty clear.

The parts of the W&OD between Great Falls Road and Little Falls look spotty. I think between Little Falls and East Falls Church is clear (and I see that wooden bridge is also being replaced - hopefully no more bumpy ride over that section!)

Thanks to Jim, Soot, the Aggie and the guy with the awesome metal shovel for stopping to help - I couldn't have finished without you!

Nadine

02-28-2010, 06:50 PM

I'm so proud of myself -- I shoveled the Custis trail today! I started out with a friend at 1:40 on the snowy part of the path near COurthouse/Claredon, and later made an impromptu shoveling brigade with these other 3 people and shoveled all afternoon. The trail is passable now -- though just one lane near Clarendon/COurthouse. There was water running towards us as we made our way back to our cars afterwards so watch out for black ice along the shoveled areas -- esp. in the morning when it's colder. It's supposed to get into the 40s all week, so midday & afternoons should be fine. If your plowing friend has a chance it would be good to plow the other side of the trail so both lanes are clear and less melt and refreeze and black ice...

Also I have it from several people who were biking & walking on the path that the fallen trees have been cleared!

I hear that the CCT has been plowed in DC -- but not in MD - and that the Mount Vernon trail is good. (DOn't know if it;s been plowed since those earlier requests or the person who told me had only been on a bit of it.) I hear the W&OD is good in Arlington & Falls CHurch and then it stops..... and restarts later -- basically Fairfax COunty didn't plow, but other towns did, like Reston and Ashburn.

Thanks to Brad, NIco and Debbie for shoveling with me today -- and Joan. Oh and for anyone else who goes out to shovel trails, I would advise you to bring extra shovels if you can. People were getting off their bikes and offering to help!!!

consularrider

02-28-2010, 10:37 PM

Thanks for your efforts. Yes, the trees at N Vernon on the Custis were cleared Friday afternoon. There were still a couple of significatn snow patches on the Mt Vernon Trail between the Humpback and Memorial Bridges (remember, the Humpback sidewalk is now only one lane, about three feet wide!) and there were snow dumps on the wooden walkway under the Roosevelt Bridge. Also a snow dump under I-395 on the new 4 Mile Run underpass at Shirlington, hard to see in the dark under the bridge. Finally, a big snow patch on the W&OD at about the 2.5 milepost.

Kenny Sirius Biker Dawg

02-28-2010, 11:36 PM

On Saturday 2/27/10 me and another guy managed to clear a path over the Brandy More Castle hill. You can at least walk your bike on clear pavement or more expierenced riders could easily navigate it. Hopefully after today, Sunday 2/28/10, it will be in even better shape!

Unregistered

03-01-2010, 08:38 AM

Someone has also plowed/shoveled a narrow passage over the Brandymore Castle hump, and the VDOT snowpiles can now be ridden around, so now there is clear passage on the W&OD in this area. Coupled with the previous poster's shoveling, one can now get through without dismounting. The stretch between Lee Hwy and Westmoreland where the bridge deck is being replaced is rideable as well, so you can get over to Lincoln Ave. in Falls Church. This is needed as the trail west of Westmoreland in Falls Church is still completely snow covered and unusable. Don't know about anything further west as I then head up Great Falls St. towards Tysons. There is still the stretch of downed bamboo on the trail south/east of Rt. 50, but you can get around it. Watch for black ice in the AM. There is also a snowpile under 395 on the new connector that blocks all but about a one foot wide path, but it can be ridden around now.

Al

Just161

03-01-2010, 11:31 AM

Some tight spots on the wooden trestle under I-66, but there's now a clear path of ground all the way from 14th Street bridge to Rosslyn. Hoorah!!!

jabberwocky

03-01-2010, 11:59 AM

For our more western commuters: the W&OD was plowed and totally clear between where I get on in Reston (7100) and Sunrise Valley. South of Sunrise Valley, there were still patchy sections of snow, with long sections of snow on the north side of the climb to Buckthorn Ln and the long stretch coming up on Hunters Mill. After crossing Hunters Mill, first 2 or so miles were clear but the last 2 miles coming into Vienna were still totally covered in rutted snow and ice (4-6" deep). I hopped off there and took back roads to work, but the section after Park street looked equally bad.

They definitely hadn't plowed between Sunrise Valley and Vienna at all.

Unregistered

03-01-2010, 05:51 PM

Nothing to add about trail conditions (apart from really, really watch out for black ice from frozen snow melt in the early mornings because it's lethal). Just wanted to thank all those people who were out shoveling the trails at the weekend and breaking through snow mountains...great work!!

Deb

03-04-2010, 11:47 AM

jabberwocky

03-04-2010, 12:04 PM

Does anyone have any updates on the WOD? I'd like to ride this weekend, either Shirlington-Vienna or Reston-Leesburg. I know some other folks who would like to get back to commuting by bike and are wondering about the section west of Vienna.Deb, I've been riding it all week and can confirm that its currently totally clear between mile 18.5 (bridge over 7100 in Reston) and mile 10 (between Park st and Cedar in Vienna). I've been told its clear onward to Gallows, as well. They plowed the Reston sections last week at some point, and finished between Reston and Vienna yesterday.

I can't say whether anything north of Reston is clear.

Deb

03-04-2010, 04:41 PM

Thanks!

I was at The Bike Lane in Reston earlier this afternoon (I drove there on my lunch hour) and they said that they've heard the trail is clear all the way from Reston to Purcellville. But they hadn't heard any updates about the problem areas in Vienna.

This is good news!

Dkeg

03-05-2010, 06:47 AM

Does anyone have any updates on the WOD? I'd like to ride this weekend, either Shirlington-Vienna or Reston-Leesburg. I know some other folks who would like to get back to commuting by bike and are wondering about the section west of Vienna.

Thanks!
Deb, I was out in Hamilton this pass Sunday. The WOD was clear around Leesburg but not at Hamilton. Hope this helps a little.

consularrider

03-05-2010, 02:31 PM

Deb, I was out in Hamilton this pass Sunday. The WOD was clear around Leesburg but not at Hamilton. Hope this helps a little.

The trail at the boundry between Arlington and Falls Church also has snow and ice problems. I have seen reports on other fora that while passable, there are still problems west of Arlington. http://wandodtrailreport.blogspot.com/

consularrider

03-05-2010, 09:32 PM

I rode the W&OD this evening from Shirlington to Vienna. There are still a couple spots with snow patches, but there is a track through that is at least a couple feet wide the entire way. The problem on Saturday and Sunday mornings will probably be where melt off has refrozen and you get black ice, so be careful until it melts off.