[PStokes]

In addition to the detour that is the subject of this tread (which explains the dudes riding on the GW Parkway!), which took me into DC and down to the 14th St Bridge, where the “stair detour” is located (which by the way you can push your bike up, so no biggie), there was a detour on the 4 Mile Run trail near Shirlington for sewage line repair. A three detour day I guess, keeps things interesting.

[PStokes]

For us norther Arlingtoners, the section along and through Roosevelt Island and up onto the Roosevelt Bridge. This of course will only be as effective as the commensurate conditions on the Roosevelt Bridge, which as I understand is DCDOT’s responsibility. On a related note, I was surprised to find the sidewalk on the Roosevelt Bridge so completely clear of snow so quickly after the big storm this year.

[PStokes]

Thank you!

@consularrider 109751 wrote:

I rode the complete Arlington Loop this morning while the snow/ice pellets/freezing rain was coming down. I encountered two Arlington County Parks vehicles. One was sitting next to the the Key Bridge Marriott and the other was at the Custis/W&OD junction. I’m not sure what they were waiting for in either spot.

My report on trail conditions:

W&OD
From the Custis junction to Columbia Pike the trail was about 80% clear or single and double track. There were serious ice problems at the Wilson Blvd and Carlin Springs underpasses. From Columbia Pike to Shirlington Rd, it was 95% clear/5% single track with a couple icy patches and an ice berm at the west curb cut across from the Barcroft Rec Center. Today’s mix was sticking when I rode through at 9:15 am.

4MRT
Clear from Shirlington Rd to the MVT with the exception of major ice just west of the I-395 underpass, and smaller ice at the W Glebe and Mt Vernon underpasses. This had been treated with brine before I passed through and most of the mix was not sticking at that time.

MVT
A real mixed bag. It was about 75% clear or single track most of the way from 4MR to the Roosevelt Island parking lot. However, there were several long stretches of bumpy rutted ice. The southern overpass at the airport, both approaches to the 14th St bridge complex, and about half of trail across Columbia Island were very difficult to ride even with studded tires. Trollheim had double track for the whole span with a couple of five foot sections that were ice. The wintry mix was icing up the clear sections of the trail when I rode through.

Custis
Clear from previous storms snow/ice from the Roosevelt Island parking lot to the W&OD junction. There was a bad patch of ice on the western side of the bridge over the I-66 exit ramp to Washington Blvd. There was also the usual ice at the Custis/W&OD intersection through the Patrick Henry underpass. Also, the wintry mix was leaving crusty ice on a good portion of the trail.

I also rode across the 14th St Bridge to do a couple laps at EPP/Hains Point. The bridge and both approaches were clear except for what was falling today.

[PStokes]

From North Arlington, the Custis trail is in good shape (thank you Arlington County), but the MVT is an icy mess and so was the Roosevelt Bridge, I had to walk the bike for 3/4 to 1 mile (with another intrepid commuter). I came back through Georgetown (not fun at rush hour) but the Key Bridge is clear and a good alternative to the Roosevelt.

[PStokes]

@NickBull 109405 wrote:

Depends where in DC. Key Bridge is clear. Surface streets afterwards are clear.

I was wondering about Key Bridge, I may use it on the way home. Thank you.

[PStokes]

Any recommendations on an ice free way into DC from the Custis Trail? The MVT and Roosevelt Bridge are not ridable. How is the 14th Street Bridge and MVT to the Four Mile Run trail?

[Author]

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