| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Chuck Lionberger (540) 387-5493 saleminfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov Jason Bond 540-387-5250 |
SAL-06-64 Nov. 17, 2006 |
VDOT’S SALEM DISTRICT PREPARES FOR WINTER
Crews rehearse snow removal routes and techniques
VDOT manages snow removal on interstates and state-maintained roads in most counties (cities and many towns provide their own snow removal services). For VDOT’s 12-county Salem transportation district, $10.6 million is available from a statewide budget of $82.6 million for snow and ice control. Last year, snow removal in the Salem District cost $7.2 million, while $55 million was spent statewide. The district includes the counties of Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Floyd, Franklin, Giles, Henry, Montgomery, Patrick, Pulaski and Roanoke.
During snow and ice events, Salem District has about 600 employees available to operate heavy equipment, or repair equipment, or staff offices in various locations. Nearly 600 pieces of snow removal equipment are strategically placed throughout the 12-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 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. Nearly 30,000 tons of salt and 6,600 tons of chemically treated abrasives are stored throughout the 12 counties. These stockpiles are replaced as necessary during the winter.
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 continually searches for new ideas and innovations that can enhance snow and ice removal. At selected locations in the Salem District – including interstates and some primary roads such as routes 220 and 460 – VDOT uses an anti-icing technique that pre-wets solid materials with liquids before spreading them on roadways. This technique jump-starts the melting reaction, especially at lower temperatures. Liquid calcium chloride is used to pre-wet solid salt; more than 50,000 gallons of calcium chloride is stored throughout the district.
VDOT also is continuing to use brine, or saltwater, which is used to pre-treat certain roads to help prevent snow and ice from initially accumulating. VDOT is able to make its own brine. The process involves taking regular salt (the same salt that is used on the roads) and mixing it with regular water to create a solution containing about 21% salt. A specialized truck, holding 2,600 gallons of brine, sprays the solution on the road at a rate of up to 60 gallons per lane mile. Using brine does have its limitations. In very cold conditions (temperatures below 20 degrees) brine loses much of its melting capability. The brine itself, however, will not freeze in such cold conditions.
VDOT is asking drivers to keep in mind the following tips when driving in winter conditions:
For updated road information across the Commonwealth, including information on conditions, traffic incidents and construction, drivers can call 511 or go online to www.511Virginia.org.
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Page last modified: Friday, November 17, 2006
