| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Dawn Eischen 804-524-6179 Richmondinfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov Taya Moss 804-524-6094 |
RICH-0006 Feb. 10, 2006 |
VDOT’S RICHMOND DISTRICT IS READY FOR WINTER WEATHER
COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va.—With snow expected to fall across parts of Virginia tonight, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) Richmond District is prepared and ready to clear roads as needed. According to the National Weather Service, the snow is forecast to arrive in the northwestern portion of Central Virginia after midnight and continue through tomorrow evening. A total of three to six inches of snow and/or a sleet/freezing rain mixture is possible throughout the Richmond District.
VDOT manages snow removal on interstates and state-maintained roads in most counties (the city of Richmond and Henrico County provide their own snow removal services). Of the $9.9 million budgeted for snow removal in the Richmond district at the start of the winter season, approximately 75 percent remains. In December 2005, the Richmond district spent $2.5 million for snow removal. During this time last year, VDOT’s Richmond district had spent $3.5 million for snow removal.
During a winter storm, snow removal crews give first priority to the interstates and primary roads (numbered 1 – 599). Once the snow stops falling and these major roads are clear, crews begin working on roads with lower traffic volumes, such as subdivision streets and secondary roads (numbered 600 and above). VDOT strives to make all state-maintained roads passable by vehicles using snow tires and chains within 48 hours after a storm ends. Snow removal crews work around the clock in 12-hour shifts until conditions are safe for traveling.
During snow and ice events, Richmond District has about 660 employees available to operate heavy equipment, or repair equipment, or staff offices in various locations. More than 400 pieces of snow removal equipment are strategically placed throughout the 14-county district, and on-call private contractors are available to supplement VDOT’s efforts if additional help is needed to plow and clear roads. VDOT considers snow removal an emergency operation with crews working around the clock in 12-hour shifts to plow snow-covered roads, repair worn-out equipment and answer phone calls from the public.
To prepare for winter weather, VDOT’s snowplow drivers already have honed their skills in driving competitions and have tested their vehicles in “dry runs” on their designated roadways. Also, stockpiles of salt and abrasives are on-hand and ready for use. These stockpiles are replaced as necessary during the winter.
But it is not just the equipment that has been readied for the snow. Work behind the scenes enhancing VDOT's information technologies, has also ensured smooth winter travel. When a winter storm strikes the Commonwealth, VDOT is ready with “Smart Travel” technologies to provide increased traffic safety to motorists. VDOT’s Smart Traffic Centers monitor traffic conditions and keep motorists informed. The center uses a growing system of electronic message signs and highway advisory radios along interstate highways to give travelers timely information on road conditions, incidents and detours.
VDOT is asking drivers to keep in mind the following tips when driving in winter conditions:
VDOT’s Richmond district includes the counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, New Kent, Nottoway, Powhatan and Prince George.
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VDOT manages snow removal on interstates and state-maintained roads in most counties (the city of Richmond and Henrico County provide their own snow removal services). Of the $9.9 million budgeted for snow removal in the Richmond district at the start of the winter season, approximately 75 percent remains. In December 2005, the Richmond district spent $2.5 million for snow removal. During this time last year, VDOT’s Richmond district had spent $3.5 million for snow removal.
During a winter storm, snow removal crews give first priority to the interstates and primary roads (numbered 1 – 599). Once the snow stops falling and these major roads are clear, crews begin working on roads with lower traffic volumes, such as subdivision streets and secondary roads (numbered 600 and above). VDOT strives to make all state-maintained roads passable by vehicles using snow tires and chains within 48 hours after a storm ends. Snow removal crews work around the clock in 12-hour shifts until conditions are safe for traveling.
During snow and ice events, Richmond District has about 660 employees available to operate heavy equipment, or repair equipment, or staff offices in various locations. More than 400 pieces of snow removal equipment are strategically placed throughout the 14-county district, and on-call private contractors are available to supplement VDOT’s efforts if additional help is needed to plow and clear roads. VDOT considers snow removal an emergency operation with crews working around the clock in 12-hour shifts to plow snow-covered roads, repair worn-out equipment and answer phone calls from the public.
To prepare for winter weather, VDOT’s snowplow drivers already have honed their skills in driving competitions and have tested their vehicles in “dry runs” on their designated roadways. Also, stockpiles of salt and abrasives are on-hand and ready for use. These stockpiles are replaced as necessary during the winter.
But it is not just the equipment that has been readied for the snow. Work behind the scenes enhancing VDOT's information technologies, has also ensured smooth winter travel. When a winter storm strikes the Commonwealth, VDOT is ready with “Smart Travel” technologies to provide increased traffic safety to motorists. VDOT’s Smart Traffic Centers monitor traffic conditions and keep motorists informed. The center uses a growing system of electronic message signs and highway advisory radios along interstate highways to give travelers timely information on road conditions, incidents and detours.
VDOT is asking drivers to keep in mind the following tips when driving in winter conditions:
- Make sure your vehicle is winter ready, including at least a half tank full of gas.
- Keep an emergency driving kit in your car and wear your seatbelt.
- Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
- Do not attempt to pass snowplows and stay at least 100 feet behind them.
- Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
- When driving on ice, don't slam on your brakes. Travel gently. Turn slowly. Brake slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.
- Don't park along the street. Snowplow drivers can't fully clear a road if cars are in their way.
- If possible, avoid unnecessary travel when crews are clearing snow and ice from the roadways.
VDOT’s Richmond district includes the counties of Amelia, Brunswick, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico, Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, New Kent, Nottoway, Powhatan and Prince George.
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Page last modified: Nov. 20, 2006
