Governor says VDOT ready to deal with Monday’s big snow

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced tonight that Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are prepared and ready for a statewide winter storm that is expected to bring significant snow fall across Virginia beginning Monday morning. Up to a foot of snow is expected in the far western region of the state and four to nine inches of snow across the rest of the state.

“VDOT crews, equipment and resources are ready to go to treat and plow roads,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “Motorists should monitor weather reports and road conditions, and avoid or limit traveling when the storm occurs.”

During the height of a statewide storm, 2,500 crew members in addition to contractors work in shifts to treat roads and remove snow.  VDOT and its contractors have nearly 12,000 pieces of equipment, including plows, trucks and motor graders for snow removal operations. VDOT started the season with over 550,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasives and about 565,000 gallons of calcium chloride and salt brine.

Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne added, “VDOT has a statewide network of 77 weather sensors in roadways and bridges, allowing VDOT maintenance crews to quickly identify when and where road surfaces are freezing.  We remain in close coordination with state and local police and monitor weather reports so we are in a constant state of readiness.”

What motorists should expect:

·    Winter weather road conditions beginning tomorrow morning in the western region of the state; limit travel if possible

·    Dangerously cold wind chills; ensure you and your vehicle are prepared to travel and deal with any emergency (extra blankets, food, water, backup power for phones, etc.)

“I strongly encourage motorists to monitor local weather reports and go to 511virginia.org to get the latest road conditions, said VDOT Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick.  “Good information is essential to your safety.  You can also call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-367-ROAD (7623) to report debris, downed trees or other hazards on the roadway.”

Road priorities

VDOT’s goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours after a winter storm ends.

Crews first begin clearing roads with the highest traffic volumes - interstates and primary roads and then major secondary roads followed by subdivision streets.  In Northern Virginia, crews work on high‐volume roads and in subdivisions concurrently.

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

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