VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Richmond District crews continue working to ensure that roads are safe and passable following Sunday’s winter storm. Teams spent Sunday night plowing subdivision streets and treating areas prone to freezing (bridges, overpasses, turns, ramps, wet pavement) with salt and sand to reduce icy patches during Monday’s commute. Crews also addressed a handful of fallen trees overnight, and will continue monitoring for signs of falling limbs. Air and pavement temperatures are currently hovering between 27-34 degrees Fahrenheit, meaning that icy patches on wet pavement can’t be ruled out until temperatures rise.

All interstates are in clear condition, with crews working to plow slush from shoulders and prevent it from melting and running back onto travel lanes.

All primary routes are in clear to minor condition. Crews continue to plow slush in median crossovers, turn lanes and intersections on routes in minor condition.

All secondary and neighborhood routes are in clear to minor condition. Crews continue to plow subdivision streets and reduce slick spots.

Monday morning commute

Although conditions continue to improve on Richmond District routes, it is still advised that drivers delay nonessential travel until temperatures rise. Drivers on essential trips should continue using caution and reducing speed in case of slick spots, allow extra time to reach destinations, and remember to clear any residual snow off of vehicles (including the roof) before traveling to reduce flying debris.

Road Condition Definitions

During winter storms, road conditions are present on 511Virginia using three ratings: minor, moderate and severe. These terms are defined as the following:

● Minor: Potential for patches of ice and snow on roadway; passable with caution.

● Moderate: Snow or ice is covering major portions of the roadway; passable with caution.

● Severe: A significant accumulation of snow or ice is blocking the roadway; conditions are hazardous.

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.