VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Snow recently moved out of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Richmond District, but conditions remain cold as crews continue to address any weather impacts on district roads. Accumulations range from less than half an inch in northern counties, to slightly over two inches in the south near the North Carolina border. Drivers are advised to delay nonessential travel Saturday morning, and to use extra caution if travel is essential. 

As of 4:30 a.m. Saturday, interstate routes are in minor condition, with possible icy conditions wherever pavement remains wet. Crews have completed plowing operations on interstates in the east and south where heavier snow accumulated. Primary routes (numbered 1-599) districtwide are in minor condition with possible slick spots, with the exception of Brunswick, Lunenburg and Mecklenburg counties where snowfall was heavier and routes are snow-covered. Secondary routes and subdivisions (numbered 600+) are in minor to moderate condition districtwide. 

Crews will continue treating snow-covered and icy roads with salt and sand to enhance traction and melt slick spots, particularly in turns, curves and intersections. Plowing will continue where accumulations have reached more than two inches. Crews will continue to work around the clock in 12-hour shifts until all state-maintained roads are safe and passable. 

“Now that the precipitation has moved out of the district, our crews can tackle any impacts to roadways more efficiently,” said Gary Jennings, Acting Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. “That being said, temperatures remain very cold and there is still a significant risk of icy roads. Please delay travel for as long as possible if you are able.” 

Tips for drivers

• Driving is most dangerous when the temperature is at or under 32 degrees (freezing). A good rule to follow is if the temperature outside is at or below freezing and the road is wet, there will likely be ice, particularly on the bridges, ramps and overpasses, since they tend to freeze first.
• Even when roads have been treated, drivers should reduce their speed and leave a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles. 
• Give snowplows plenty of room (at least 100 feet) and don't pass them.
• Drivers may encounter slow-moving equipment on the roads during winter weather events. Please make sure to give VDOT vehicles room on the roads and be aware of your surroundings.
• Don't park along the street. Snow plow drivers can't fully clear a road if parked cars are in their way.
• If you begin to skid, do not brake. Take your foot off the gas and steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go.

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.