RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Brenda Waters 276-669-9999 bristolinfo@VirginiaDOT.org Michelle Earl 276-669-9901

BRIS-20 Jan. 16, 2003

Snow-Removal Priority Routes & Tips for Drivers

With areas of southwestern Virginia under a “winter weather advisory” for this afternoon through Friday, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is prepared for the snow. Employees and equipment are ready, and salt and chemicals are stocked.

In southwestern Virginia’s Bristol transportation district, which serves the 12 most western counties of the state, more than 600 VDOT employees and 250-300 contractors’ employees are ready for mobilization.

Region wide, VDOT has a fleet of about 250 state-owned snowplows and over 100 snowplows are available from contractors to battle snow on the district’s 15,600 lane miles of roads.

During severe storms, VDOT’s top priorities are the most heavily traveled routes, typically the interstates, major primary highways, and routes to emergency and medical facilities. VDOT will concentrate on these major routes first. Once the snow stops and these roads are passable, crews begin working on the roads with lower traffic volumes, such as secondary roads and subdivision streets.

VDOT’s goal is to make all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours after a storm ends. Crews work around the clock in 12-hour shifts until conditions are safe for traveling.

The following lists VDOT's first priority routes in the Bristol district:
Bland County: Interstate 77, Routes 42, 52, 61 and 598
Buchanan County: Routes 80, 83 and 460
Dickenson County: Routes 72 and 83
Grayson County: Routes 16, 21, 58, 89, 94 and 274
Lee County: Routes 23, 58, 58-A, 70, 352 and 421
Russell County: Routes 19, 58-A, 71, 80 and 82
Scott County: Routes 23, 58, 65, 71, 72 and 224
Smyth County: Interstate 81, Routes 11, 16, 42, 91 and 107
Tazewell County: Routes 16, 19, 102 and 460
Washington County and Bristol area: Interstates 81 and 381, Routes 11, 19, 58, 58-A, 75, 91, 140,
80 and 421.
Wise County: Routes 23, 58-A, 72 and 83
Wythe County: Interstates 77 and 81, Routes 11, 21, 52 and 94.

SNOW SHOVELING TIP: If you shovel your driveway before the snowplow comes, always shovel to the right, facing the street. This enables the snowplow to push the snow away from your driveway.


VDOT TO MOTORISTS: "TIPS FOR DRIVING IN SNOWY CONDITIONS"

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) offers the following tips for driving in snowy conditions:

· Before you begin your trip, know the current road conditions and weather forecasts.
Call VDOT’s 24-hour, toll-free Highway Helpline at 1-800-367-ROAD or log onto VDOT’s web site at www.VirginigDOT.org to view a road conditions map.

· Before beginning your trip, make sure your windows, mirrors and lights are clear of ice and snow.

· Always wear your seat belt.

· Allow extra time to travel to your destination.

· Be aware of potentially icy areas such as bridges, overpasses, and shady spots. Also, if there is heavy snow, ice or high winds, be alert to potential driving hazards including downed branches, trees and electric lines.

· Reduce speed, as appropriate and keep a safe distance of at least 5 seconds behind other vehicles and snowplows.

· Do not pass a snowplow truck unless it is absolutely necessary. Remember: The plow is clearing a path for you.

· Do not park along the street. Snowplow drivers can't fully clear the road if cars are in the way.

· Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car. The kit should include a small bag of rock salt, sand or cat litter to provide traction in case you get stuck; a snowbrush and ice scraper; flashlight; battery booster cables; blanket and extra clothing.

· Practice common sense. Remember, your car cannot start, stop, or turn as quickly and surely on snow or ice as it does on dry pavement, so think and drive accordingly.

###