VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Richmond District crews have reported for snow duty and are ready to address winter weather when conditions change later this morning.

VDOT is urging residents across the district to avoid unnecessary travel Monday, with the threat of heavy snow during the day and the potential for refreeze overnight.

“Our crews will work as hard as possible, but slick spots are still likely to develop,” said Gary Jennings, Acting Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. “The best bet to stay safe is staying inside.”

Once precipitation begins, crews will work in 24-hour operations until all roads are safe and passable.

Crews will be plowing where accumulations reach 2 inches or more - and watching for refreeze overnight Monday. Icy patches will be treated with salt to help melt ice and sand to enhance traction for drivers.

If travel Monday is essential

• Give snow plows plenty of room (at least 100 feet) and don't pass them.
• Reduce your speed and allow extra time to reach your destination. Slushy roads can still be hazardous.
• 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.

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.