| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Tamara Neale 804-786-6458 Tamara.Neale@VDOT.Virginia.gov |
CO-06snow Feb. 10, 2006 |
VDOT PREPARED FOR WEEKEND SNOW
7:30PM
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is ready and standing by to clear roads for heavy snow that is expected to fall in southwestern Virginia beginning tonight and move across the state through the weekend. Mostly rain is expected in the Hampton Roads region.
Crews begin treating the roads as soon as precipitation begins, and start plowing at two inches. They clear interstate highways and other major roadways first where traffic volume is the highest, then plow the lower-volume primary roads and finally the secondary and subdivision streets. Crews work 12-hour shifts, around the clock, until the roads are clear.
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 urges motorists to be watchful of the weather and drive with extreme caution. With windy weather expected as well, there is a possibility of blowing snow, which could make for hazardous driving conditions.
Snow facts:
Snow resources:
VDOT has approximately 3,500 pieces of snow-removal equipment and 3,900 crewmembers for snow removal operations across the state. VDOT has 287,214 tons of salt and 57,335 tons of mixed abrasives. The statewide budget for preparations and snow removal for the 2005-2006 winter season is $81.4 million
Snow information:
Before heading out, call 511 for the latest road condition information or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.
Winter driving tips:
Crews begin treating the roads as soon as precipitation begins, and start plowing at two inches. They clear interstate highways and other major roadways first where traffic volume is the highest, then plow the lower-volume primary roads and finally the secondary and subdivision streets. Crews work 12-hour shifts, around the clock, until the roads are clear.
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 urges motorists to be watchful of the weather and drive with extreme caution. With windy weather expected as well, there is a possibility of blowing snow, which could make for hazardous driving conditions.
Snow facts:
Snow resources:
VDOT has approximately 3,500 pieces of snow-removal equipment and 3,900 crewmembers for snow removal operations across the state. VDOT has 287,214 tons of salt and 57,335 tons of mixed abrasives. The statewide budget for preparations and snow removal for the 2005-2006 winter season is $81.4 million
Snow information:
Before heading out, call 511 for the latest road condition information or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.
Winter driving tips:
- Make sure your vehicle is winter ready.
- Keep an emergency driving kit in your car and wear your seatbelt.
- Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
- Do not attempt to pass snowplows and stay at least 100 feet behind them.
- Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
- When driving on ice, don’t slam on your brakes. Travel gently. Turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.
- Don’t park along the street. Snow plow drivers can’t fully clear a road if cars are in their way.
- If possible, avoid unnecessary travel when crews are clearing snow and ice from the roadways.
Page last modified: Feb. 12, 2006
