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RICHMOND — At this time of year, many holiday revelers’ daydreams turn to images of a white Christmas. At the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), preparations for this winter’s snow and ice began long before holiday decorations filled the stores. In early fall, VDOT crews began dry runs to practice mounting plows and salt spreaders on their trucks and rehearsed their assigned snow routes. For snow-removal activities this winter, VDOT has prepared more than 3,500 pieces of snow-removal equipment and 3,900 crewmembers, and has budgeted $82.6 million statewide.

“Snow season represents one of the busiest times of year for transportation departments,” said David Ekern, VDOT Commissioner. “Like a football team in preseason, VDOT crews began training while temperatures were still warm to ensure that our equipment, supplies and crews were in top shape for the first wintry weather to arrive. Our dedicated snow-removal professionals have honed their skills and are ready to work around the clock to make roads safe and passable during wintry weather.”

VDOT is responsible for clearing snow and ice from more than 57,800 miles of roads across the state, not counting roads in most cities and towns and those in Henrico and Arlington counties, which are cleared by the localities.

During snow events, VDOT plows interstate highways and major primary routes first. Crews then work to clear secondary roads and subdivision streets. The goal is to make all roads passable within 48 hours after the storm ends.

VDOT’s snow-removal efforts are not just about plows and salt. In recent years, technology has taken an increasingly important role in keeping motorists safe during snowy weather. VDOT employs modern technological advances to help keep Virginia travelers safe, keep businesses open and minimize school closures. Some examples include:

• Spraying liquid calcium chloride and magnesium chloride on bridges and pavements before a storm starts to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement.
  
  
• A statewide network of 41 weather sensors in roadways and bridges that allow VDOT maintenance crews to quickly identify when and where road surfaces might be freezing.
  
  
• Real-time traveler information drawn from crew observations, State Police dispatchers, pavement sensors, traffic cameras and other tools that is conveyed to the public using 511 and www.511Virginia.org. This ensures that motorists can make informed travel decisions during wintry weather.

“Although last winter was not as snowy as some previous years, we will prepare our supplies, budget and equipment to deal with anything Mother Nature sends our way this winter,” Ekern said. “Motorists should also prepare by getting their vehicles ready for winter weather and by educating themselves about winter driving. Slowing down and knowing the road conditions before you leave home are the best ways to stay safe when driving in snow and ice.”

For the latest on road conditions and traffic during winter storms or any day of the year, call 511 or visit 511Virginia.org. For more information about VDOT snow efforts, and to find driving tips and other information, visit VirginiaDOT.org.

VDOT Snow Facts

Technology

• A statewide network of 41 weather sensors in roadways and bridges allow VDOT maintenance crews to quickly identify when and where road surfaces might be freezing.
  
  
• VDOT’s Smart Traffic Centers and the Transportation Emergency Operation Center (TEOC) monitor traffic conditions and keep motorists informed of incidents, detours and other road-related information.
  
  
• During a storm, VDOT’s color-coded maps are updated every 15 minutes to show which roads are snow-covered, icy or wet. Citizens can also get this information by calling 511 or by visiting 511Virginia.org.
  
  
• VDOT also uses anti-icing techniques by applying liquid calcium chloride or liquid magnesium chloride on highway pavements before the storm begins to prevent ice or snow from bonding to the pavement once frozen precipitation begins to fall.

VDOT Statewide Snow Resources

• VDOT has $82.6 million budgeted for snow removal this winter. Past expenditures for snow removal include:


• 2005-2006 $55 million
  
• 2004-2005 $79 million
  
• 2003-2004 $84 million
  
• 2002-2003 $144 million
  
• 2001-2002 $46 million
  
• 2000-2001 $68 million


• VDOT has approximately 3,500 pieces of snow-removal equipment and 3,900 crewmembers for snow-removal operations.
  
  
• Private contractors with 2,777 hired equipment trucks are also on call when extra help is needed to supplement VDOT equipment and manpower.
  
  
• VDOT has ample supplies of snow removal materials in stock, including 302,000 tons of salt and 171,000 tons of sand. Supplies are replenished as they are used.

Winter Driving Tips

VDOT offers the following tips for driving in snowy conditions:

• Before you begin your trip, know the current road conditions and weather forecasts. Call 511 or visit 511Virginia.org.
  
  
• Make sure your windows, mirrors and lights are clear of ice and snow.
  
  
• Always wear your seat belt.
  
  
• Allow extra time to travel to your destination.
  
  
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Also, if there is heavy snow, ice or high winds, be alert to potential driving hazards including downed branches, trees and electric lines.
  
  
• Reduce speed as appropriate and keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and snowplows.
  
  
• Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary. Remember, the plow is clearing a path for you.
  
  
• Do not park along the street if possible. Snowplow drivers can't fully clear the road if cars are in the way.
  
  
• Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car. The kit should include a small bag of rock salt, sand or cat litter to provide traction in case you get stuck, a snowbrush and ice scraper, a flashlight, battery booster cables, a blanket and extra clothing.
  
  
• Practice common sense. Remember that your car cannot start, stop, or turn as quickly and surely on snow or ice as it does on dry pavement, so think and drive accordingly.

Shoveling Tips

• To avoid extra work, it is best not to shovel your driveway until after a snow plow passes.
  
  
• When you do shovel, always shovel snow to the right of your driveway when you are facing the street. That way the plow will not push the snow you shoveled back across the end of your driveway as it passes.

Editor and Producer Note: Various VDOT snow plow photographs, audio clips, video and fact sheets are available here.


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Page last modified: March 29, 2007