Alexandria embracing spring cleaning with new beautification and pothole plans

Like many local households, the City of Alexandria has plans to tidy up for the spring.

The City announced in a release today that a number of beautification efforts will be going on around town, along with a few continue improvements like pothole repair and repaving.

The City of Alexandria said some of its “gateways” are going to be getting some much-needed attention to improve the entrances to Alexandria.

According to the release:

Spring gateway cleaning is scheduled to begin Saturday, April 8, and will continue each Saturday until all gateway areas are complete. The primary focus of the clean-up is to “spruce up” the entry points to the City. The gateways included in the spring cleaning program are Telegraph Road, Duke Street/I-395, Van Dorn Street/Eisenhower Avenue, and King Street/I-395. Several areas throughout Alexandria will receive enhanced litter collection as part of the beautification effort.

Alexandria is also offering a limited supply of wood mulch from previously collected Christmas trees, followed by leaf mulch.

“Deliveries will begin on Monday, April 3 and will run through Friday, June 30,” the release said. “Delivery dates and times are limited and appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. There is a $65 delivery charge for each half-load and $130 for a full load.”

Free mulch is also available at 4215 Eisenhower Avenue, Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

The City has also started a street-sweeping project that started last Monday and is estimated to take 12 weeks.

“Crews keep neighborhoods and commercial corridors clean and protect waterways from debris runoff by regularly sweeping 560 lane miles,” the release said. “The street sweeping program includes three major groups: commercial, no parking, and residential.”

The release asked residents to be aware of “No Parking” restrictions on blocks where sweeping is ongoing.

Beyond beautification, there are some tangible infrastructure benefits coming this spring as well. The city’s repaving program is scheduled to start on Monday, April 17. Spring also marks the start of pothole repair season.

“The City’s pothole patrol begins Monday, April 3,” the release said. “Alexandria is divided into 11 zones and crews will work diligently on multiple zones at a time to ensure each zone gets one pass. This is a moving operation and residents should expect periodic lane closures throughout the City. The spring pothole patrol only covers major street networks and does not include public alleys and parking spaces.”

After the spring pothole patrol, which is estimated to be finished around April 28, residents can report potholes online or by calling 703 746 4311.