VDOT is ready to go for winter weather
Published 12:47 pm Wednesday, November 24, 2021
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As the seasons turn and the Commonwealth gets colder, VDOT is prepared to keep Virginia roadways clear and safe during coming snows and winter weather. Staffing, equipment and materials are in place and ready to go when winter arrives.
“Virginia motorists can be confident in the Virginia Department of Transportation’s preparedness for our winter weather season,” said VDOT Chief of Maintenance and Operations Kevin Gregg. “We learned new processes last year due to the pandemic and a heavy snow season. Those experiences, along with our continued training, have equipped us to handle the snow and ice that may impact the 128,000 lane miles of roadway we maintain across the Commonwealth.”
Winter Weather Resources and Readiness:
• $211 million set aside for winter weather
• More than 2,500 VDOT crew members and additional contractors available for snow removal statewide
• More than 10,800 pieces of snow-removal equipment, including trucks, loaders and motor graders
• More than 706,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasives and more than 2.4 million gallons of liquid calcium chloride and salt brine
Real-time Progress: Online VDOT Snowplow Tracker
Across the state, if snow reaches two inches or more, VDOT activates an online snowplow tracking map. Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) technology is operational statewide. All VDOT-owned and contracted plows will be equipped with AVL, allowing them to be monitored on the snowplow tracker.
Be Prepared, Plan Ahead
During winter, it is important to regularly monitor weather forecasts and have a winter weather driving plan ahead of time. When inclement weather arrives, motorists are encouraged to visit 511virginia.org or call 511 for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions before travel.