VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Snow is falling in the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Richmond District. Crews are treating interstate and other major routes in the district to prevent ice buildup and give vehicles traction. As of 11 a.m. Sunday, most routes in the Richmond District are in minor condition, meaning bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush. Conditions are changing rapidly, so continue to avoid travel Sunday as the storm progresses.

As the storm transitions into a wintry mix, followed by forecasted rain, crews will continue patrolling state routes for travel impacts. They will plow where accumulations have reached two inches, and treat any slick conditions with salt to melt ice and sand to enhance traction. Crews will work in 12-hour rotating shifts, in 24-hour operations until roads are safe and passable.

Interstate and primary routes (route numbers 1-599) will be addressed first, followed by secondary and neighborhood routes. Tree crews remain on standby to handle any fallen trees that may impact roads during the storm. Crews will work closely with utility providers to remove downed power lines as quickly and safely as possible.

“We continue to advise drivers to stay home unless they absolutely must be on the roads today,” said Gary Jennings, Acting Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. “Roads will remain wet in many locations even after precipitation ends. Slick spots cannot be ruled out until temperatures rise and pavement dries.”

Drivers should be on the lookout for refreeze Sunday night and Monday morning. While forecasted rain may cut down on snow accumulations on the roads, it’s critical to remember that bare pavement does not mean that there is no risk. Pavement temperatures will remain low, and ice could be present on roadways.

After the storm ends, crews will continue with tree debris removal operations from the winter storm that impacted the Commonwealth on Monday, January 3 on some secondary routes (route numbers 600+) in Goochland, Powhatan and western Hanover counties.

Tips for drivers and residents

•  Delay non-essential travel on Sunday, and use caution when traveling after the storm ends. Allow more time to reach your destination and leave a five second gap between yourself and other vehicles.
• 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.
• Bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways, and if there is snow or ice on roadways, travel is hazardous. Use extreme caution today if you must be on the roadways.
• If travel is essential, remove all snow from your vehicle, including the roof. Reduce your speed and do not follow other vehicles too closely. Leave yourself plenty of room to stop, and avoid braking suddenly.

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.