VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD – As indicated by the mixed precipitation event that crept through Central Virginia in early November, colder temperatures and chances of frozen precipitation herald in another winter weather season. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Richmond District has been preparing for snow year-round and stands ready for winter’s worst.

“The Richmond District alone covers nearly 19,000 lane miles of Virginia roads,” said Sean Nelson, Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. “Crews spent the year stocking up on snow removal supplies and testing equipment. Snow removal routes have been reviewed and our continued mission is to make roads safe and passable after winter weather events.”   

Snow removal by the numbers

The Richmond District currently has approximately $19 million set aside for snow removal. If necessary, additional maintenance funds can be used for snow removal. Safety is always VDOT’s highest priority, and crews will not suspend snow removal operations regardless of cost.

Materials and supplies in stock for this season include; over 61,000 tons of salt, over 24,000 tons of sand, over 15,000 tons of treated abrasives and over 350,000 gallons of salt brine. VDOT replenishes supplies as they are used throughout the winter.

The Richmond District currently has approximately 1,500 pieces of equipment available for snow and ice removal, including 381 owned and another 1,119 contracted. The equipment includes plows, spreaders, front end loaders, motor graders and backhoes.

Road-clearing priorities

VDOT’s goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours after a winter storm ends. Crews first begin clearing interstates, primary roads and major secondary roads that connect important public facilities, such as; emergency services, localities, employment hubs, schools, hospitals and military posts. Secondary roads and subdivisions with lower traffic volumes will be treated during multi-day storms, but the focus first remains on roads that carry the most traffic.

Information resources

511 Virginia
Before traveling, you can get the latest traffic conditions by using 511 Virginia. Call 511 from any phone in Virginia, visit www.511virginia.org or download the free mobile app at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/511.asp#app.

Social media
Twitter: For area information, follow @VaDOTRVA and @511centralva
Facebook: VDOT’s statewide page: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDOT

Customer service center
Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or using the online form available at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/citizen.asp.

Additional resources:

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

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VDOT’s Richmond District oversees snow removal activities on more than 18,000 lane miles of roads in 14 counties in central Virginia: Amelia, Brunswick, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico (primary routes only), Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, New Kent, Nottoway, Powhatan and Prince George counties. Henrico County provides snow removal for their secondary roads (numbered 600 and above) and subdivision streets. Cities that provide their own snow removal include Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond, and the towns of Ashland, Blackstone, Chase City and South Hill.

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.