VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Richmond District crews are on the move to ensure that roads remain safe ahead of an expected winter storm, which could impact the district starting early Monday.

Crews are working now to prepare and load equipment before reporting early Monday morning. 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.

Additional Safety Service Patrol (SSP) vehicles will be on the interstates during peak travel times to assist with traffic incidents. Extra Transportation Operations Center staff members will be working to coordinate incidents with SSP operators and law enforcement officials.

“VDOT has a plan in place and we’re asking Richmond District residents to also plan ahead,” said Gary Jennings, Acting Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. “Ask yourself if you really need to drive – and if you do, remember to make safety your top priority. It’s also a good idea to refresh your memory on safe driving tips.”

Tips for drivers

• The safest place during a winter storm is indoors.
• Delay Monday travel if possible. Slushy roads can still be dangerous for drivers.
• If drivers stay off the roads during a storm, transportation workers and public safety officials are better able to plow roadways and respond to emergency needs quicker.
• If you must drive, give snow plows plenty of room (at least 100 feet) and don't pass them.
• Give all vehicles extra following distance during snow.
• Melted snow presents another dangerous challenge: Ice. Refreeze is possible Monday night. Drivers should assume ice is present on the road if temperatures are below freezing and precipitation is present on the roadway.
• Be extra careful in areas which tend to freeze first, including bridges, shaded areas, overpasses, curves and turns.

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.