Navigate to Homepage
Search
Main navigation
  

        
              Explore the Capitol Campus
                          Art
                            Buildings & Grounds
                            Capitol Hill Facts
                            Visitor Resources
                            Our Blog
                            What We Do
                          Areas of Expertise
                            Programs & Ceremonies
                            Projects
                            Publications
                            Strategic Objectives
                            About Us
                          Who We Are
                            History of the AOC
                            News & Notices
                            Organizational Structure
                            Partnerships & Recognition
                            Work With UsSearch Breadcrumb
    HomeAbout UsNews & Notices
The Big Dig
Less than 48 hours after Winter Storm Jonas began dumping snow from the skies over Washington, D.C., Architect of the Capitol crews successfully removed snow to make ​miles of sidewalks, streets and drives and 20 acres of plazas and parking lots accessible for the U.S. Capitol community.
January 25, 2016
        
                  Image
    Snow at the U.S. Capitol.

Throughout the historic storm, approximately 350 AOC employees worked around-the-clock. High winds and the vast amount of snow slowed progress on Saturday, but clear skies and sunshine on Sunday and Monday provided the perfect weather for the big dig. The AOC operated more than 100 pieces of snow removal vehicles and equipment, as well as countless numbers of tried-and-true snow shovels.





ImageImageImage"We have removed a tremendous amount of snow from the Capitol campus thus far. Our focus right now is to keep our people going and our equipment fueled, repaired and functional," said Ken Eads, Director, Office of Security Programs, who coordinated the effort for the AOC.

Crews monitor conditions on the campus overnight and collaborate with our partners on Capitol Hill and in Washington, D.C., to ensure that morning deployments—including deicer, salt and plows—are most effective. As evening and overnight temperatures drop, crews will again monitor surface temperatures to identify melting and refreezing conditions.



Image"We are proud of our dedicated workforce," says Christine Merdon, Chief Operating Officer, who has been on the Capitol campus throughout the storm and big dig. "The men and women of the AOC who are clearing snow and ice from the facilities and grounds of the Capitol complex are away from their families. They are doing a remarkable job making the Capitol accessible for the congressional community. Our work continues."
          
    
      Recent Stories
Related Articles
            
          Public Notice

  U.S. Capitol Cherry Blossoms Map

On the U.S. Capitol campus, the AOC Capitol Grounds and Arboretum crew cares for groups of both Yoshino and Japanese flowering cherry trees.
    Public Notice

  Volume 27 of Tholos Magazine Now Available

Highlights include articles featuring the Architect's Citation Award winner, sustainability, summer internships and the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree.
    Public Notice

  Six Tips for Sledding Safely on Capitol Hill

This winter, sections of the U.S. Capitol Grounds West Front may be open for community sledding during daylight hours (dawn to dusk).
    Public Notice

  FY 2023 Performance and Accountability Report Available

The Architect of the Capitol's Performance and Accountability Report for Fiscal Year 2023 is now available online.
    
                      More News Serve. Preserve. Inspire.

              Contact Us
                            Accountability
                            Hill Staff Resources
                            AOC Staff Resources
Utility
  

        
              Privacy Policy
                            Image Terms of Use
                            Inspector General
                            U.S. Botanic Garden
                            U.S. Capitol Visitor CenterFacebook
	Twitter
	Flickr
	YouTube
	Instagram
	Subscribe