VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Crews in the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Richmond District worked through the day Monday, plowing snow where possible and treating slick roads. While the snow event has ended, crews will still be working hard to address overnight hazardous conditions. Following heavy rain over the weekend and wet, heavy snow Monday, wet pavement is likely to refreeze Monday night as temperatures drop.

“Many roads remain wet following mixed precipitation over the weekend and Monday,” said Gary Jennings, Acting Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. “Puddles and wet pavement can quickly turn to black ice once temperatures drop. The safest bet for drivers is to avoid any nonessential travel until the sun rises and roads have a chance to heat up.”

Most roads in the Richmond District are in minor to moderate condition. Crews continue to plow routes where accumulations exceed 2 inches, and will continue treating slick spots with salt to break down ice, and sand to enhance traction for vehicles. Plowing cannot start until 2 inches of snow accumulate because the plow would scrape and damage the pavement.

Numerous fallen trees have also been reported due to heavy snow and high winds, particularly in Goochland County. Crews will continue to address fallen trees as quickly and as safely as possible.

Again, drivers are urged to avoid any nonessential travel overnight Monday and into Tuesday morning. Any wet pavement has the potential to develop black ice and become hazardous.

If you must travel Monday night or Tuesday morning, use extra caution and reduce speed.

• Give snow plows plenty of room (at least 100 feet) and don't pass them.
• Give all vehicles extra following distance during snow.
• Assume ice is present on the road if temperatures are below freezing and pavement is wet.
• Use extra caution on areas that tend to freeze first, including bridges, shaded areas, overpasses, curves and turns.
• If you begin to skid, do not brake. Take your foot off the gas and steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go.

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: Visit VDOT’s statewide page and follow the Richmond District group: 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 https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/.

Additional resources
For more winter driving information, please visit VDOT's winter weather page. 

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VDOT’s Richmond District oversees snow removal activities on approximately 19,000 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.

Road condition definitions:
Severe – drifting or partially blocked road.
Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the roadway.
Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush.

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.