VDOT News - Hampton Roads

SUFFOLK– VDOT continues its commitment to being responsive during snow events, and VDOT’s budget, materials, equipment and staffing are in place and ready for this weekend. Crews began pretreatment activities yesterday, Jan. 10, 2019, with anticipated completion this afternoon. Trucks have been spreading brine along all interstates in Hampton Roads and VDOT maintained roads in the Franklin and Williamsburg residencies. The brine increases the freezing temperature of the surface, helping to prevent ice on the road.

VDOT equipment, materials

For 2018-2019, VDOT Hampton Roads has more than 470 pieces of equipment available for snow and ice-control activities, including trucks with plows and salt spreaders, as well as front end loaders and backhoes. VDOT also has the capability to bring on more hired equipment, depending on the weather. Materials and supplies currently in stock for snow and ice removal in Hampton Roads include:

• 2 4,891 tons of salt,
• 15,102 tons of sand,
• 168,400 gallons of salt brine.
• VDOT replenishes supplies as they are used throughout the winter.

Road-clearing priorities

VDOT’s goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours after a winter storm ends, if there are no additional accumulations.

Crews first begin clearing interstates, primary roads and major secondary roads that connect localities, fire stations, employment hubs, military posts, schools, hospitals and other important public facilities. Secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated if multiday storms hit the Commonwealth, but crews will focus efforts on those roads that carry the most traffic. VDOT maintains all interstates, major state-maintained primary routes, and county roads in Hampton Roads. Individual municipalities maintain their own primary and secondary routes.

Have a plan before you drive

Before traveling, you can get the latest traffic conditions by calling 511, or go to www.511virginia.org.

You also can download Virginia’s free 511 mobile app at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/511.

800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) -- Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling this statewide toll-free number.

Twitter -- Follow us @VaDOTHR and @511hamptonroads for the latest weather/traffic updates during a storm.

For more winter driving information, please visit www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.