Get ready for coming winter storm! Here’s what VDOT is doing

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews across the state prepare for winter weather to keep roadways and driving conditions as safe as possible.  VDOT anticipates snow, sleet and freezing rain to impact much of the state late tonight through early Monday morning, with the heaviest hit areas in the western and north central regions of the state. One to four inches of snow and ice accumulations are forecasted.

Through the day, crews have treated interstates and primary roads with salt brine or anti-icing chemicals in the Staunton, Salem, Northern Virginia and Culpeper regions.  Anti-icing helps to prevent snow and ice from sticking to the roads. 

Crews will continue to work through the weekend and into the week treating and clearing roads.  VDOT has also coordinated with utility companies to prepare for possible power outages should downed tree branches and other debris hit power lines.

A statewide network of 77 weather sensors in roadways and bridges, plus 16 mobile video data platforms, allows crews to quickly identify when and where road surfaces might be freezing.

Crews first begin clearing roads with the highest traffic volumes - interstates and primary roads and then major secondary roads followed by subdivision streets.

VDOT has activated a web-based neighborhood tracking map that monitors the status of plowing in northern Virginia neighborhoods when it snows two inches or more. Available at http://www.vdotplows.org/ VDOT ,will be testing the tracker concept in other parts of the state this year to determine which regions are best suited for the wireless technology required for the system.

While VDOT is in full preparation mode, motorists are urged to make sure their vehicles are in proper driving condition for winter weather and have emergency kits.  During the storm, motorists should avoid driving on the roads.  About 70 percent of deaths related to ice and snow occur in automobiles. 

Winter weather driving tips and other preparations:
·      Monitor your local news sources for the latest weather conditions

·      Avoid driving during the storm

·      Prepare your car for winter driving conditions, including having an emergency kit in your car

·      Prepare your home for winter weather conditions in case of power outages

·      Before getting behind the wheel, call 511, go to http://www.511virginia.org or download the 511 mobile app to get the latest road condition information

·      You can also call 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) to report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center

·      When driving, give yourself extra time to reach your destination, leave plenty of driving room between you and the vehicle ahead and slow down

·      Access the link below on a video showing how to drive on ice and snow covered roads - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnUwKTdKyLI&list=PL84A0942814F2FECC

·      Pay extra attention to bridges, overpasses and shady areas, which freeze first and can become very slick

·      Prepare for fast changing weather and road conditions

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