Falls Church Roads 'May Not See Significant Relief Until Weekend'

The City of Falls Church is assessing its roadways after the severe winter storm that hit the area earlier this week. Students are back in school Wednesday after missing school Monday and Tuesday due to the snow and ice on the roads.

Here's what the City had to say Wednesday about its snow and ice-clearing efforts the past few days and looking ahead the rest of the week:

"The snow storm on Sunday/Monday brought unique challenges to our crews and equipment, and continuous freezing temperatures aren't helping in the recovery. Until the thaw begins on Friday, drivers and pedestrians may not see bare pavement, despite our best efforts to clear the streets. Here's why:

• Rain on Sunday, rapidly dropping temperatures throughout, and a high rate of snow fall made this a tough storm to get ahead of. 
  
  
• The continuously dropping temperatures, accumulating snow, and traffic generated significant "ice pack," which is difficult to plow. 
  
  
• Clearing ice pack in frigid temperatures requires a focused strategy of heavy treatment, allowing time for chemicals to react, and skillful plowing – this type of deliberate treatment is slow work. 
  
  
• The frigid temperatures and moisture also lead the chemicals to bind up in the spreader boxes and requires frequent maintenance and thawing of the boxes, further slowing the work.