VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Rain is currently falling across the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Richmond District, and is expected to gradually change to snow through the afternoon. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and reach their destinations before conditions become slick Thursday evening.

Crews in the Richmond District pretreated interstates and major routes on Tuesday night into Wednesday, and will be on the move Thursday for any slick conditions or accumulating snow.

Teams are also keeping a watchful eye on forecasts for Friday and Saturday, as another band of winter weather may be on the way.

“Temperatures will drop quickly today, and salt can be less effective once temps are lower than 27 degrees,” said Gary Jennings, Acting Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. “Drivers are urged to get to their overnight destinations early today, as overnight conditions could be hazardous. Our crews will be working hard to address slick conditions on major routes with salt and sand as they occur, to reduce ice buildup and enhance traction, but the safest place for drivers tonight will be indoors and off the roads.”

Tips for drivers

• Delay nonessential travel overnight while temperatures are low. While crews will be addressing slick conditions as best as possible, salt may not melt enough snow and ice to form a barrier between the pavement and the snow when temperatures are below 27 degrees.
• If travel is essential, reduce your speed and use the utmost caution. Icy conditions cannot be ruled out Thursday evening and overnight. Delay Friday morning travel as much as possible to allow air temperatures to warm.

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.