As snow begins to accumulate on roads across much of state, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is treating roads with salt to keep the snow from freezing on the pavement. Crews plow roads once the snow accumulates between one to two inches. Some plowing is taking place particularly in Central Virginia, which has received the brunt of the storm so far.

With temperatures dropping tonight, wet pavement will become slick making for difficult driving conditions through the morning. Motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution on slick roads, particularly on bridges and overpasses, which freeze first. Motorists should drive slower than usual, keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and avoid slamming on the brakes when driving on ice. Motorists should drive gently and turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause cars to spin out of control.

Before heading out, call 511 for the latest road condition information or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org. Road condition information is highlighted on the home page.

VDOT treats and clears interstate highways and other major roadways first where traffic volume is the highest, then crews plow the lower-volume primary roads and finally the secondary and subdivision streets.

VDOT is responsible for clearing snow and ice from more than 57,300 miles of roads across the state. This includes interstate highways, most major roads and county roads, including subdivision streets. Cities and towns are responsible for clearing an additional 10,360 miles of their local urban roads and city streets. Henrico and Arlington counties clear roads within their jurisdictions.

VDOT has approximately 3,500 pieces of snow-removal equipment and 3,900 crewmembers for snow removal operations across the state. The statewide snow removal budget for this winter season is $81.4 million.

For more information on snow removal and winter travel, go to http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

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Page last modified: April 18, 2007