VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – With a mix of wintry weather in the forecasts for the overnight hours of Wednesday and early Thursday, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Richmond District crews are on the move to ensure that roads remain safe.

Forecasts indicate a chance of snow mostly for counties in the southern region of the district, but drivers throughout the district’s 14 counties should watch for slick spots on roads.

Crews will mobilize starting Wednesday night on interstates south of Petersburg, and will continue monitoring roads for hazardous conditions until the threat of snow and slick roads has passed. VDOT will also have plows available, should any localized areas receive more than two inches of snow. Additional crews will be on standby across the district to address slick spots as needed.   

Slick roads will be treated with a combination of salt, which helps to melt ice, and sand, which provides traction for drivers.

“Every motorist should drive with extra caution, even if snow isn’t on the roads in their area,” said Sean Nelson, Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. “If the temperature is at or near freezing and the road is wet, there is a good chance of ice. Be safe out there.”

Tips for drivers

Slick roads will be a concern for the overnight hours as temperatures start to drop. Drivers should reduce their speed, use extra caution and check local forecasts and resources for conditions before venturing out. Areas more likely to freeze if pavement is wet include bridges, ramps, overpasses, turns and shaded areas.  

Information resources

511 Virginia

Before traveling, you can get the latest traffic conditions by using 511 Virginia. Call 511 from any phone in Virginia, visit www.511virginia.org or download the free mobile app at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/511.asp#app.

Social media
Twitter: For area information, follow @VaDOTRVA and @511centralva

Facebook: Visit VDOT’s statewide page and follow the Richmond District group: https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDOT

Customer service center
Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or using the online form available at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/ 

Additional resources

For more winter driving information, please visit VDOT's winter weather page. 

-END-

VDOT’s Richmond District oversees snow removal activities on approximately 19,000 lane miles of roads in 14 counties in central Virginia: Amelia, Brunswick, Charles City, Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Goochland, Hanover, Henrico (primary routes only), Lunenburg, Mecklenburg, New Kent, Nottoway, Powhatan and Prince George counties. Henrico County provides snow removal for their secondary roads (numbered 600 and above) and subdivision streets. Cities that provide their own snow removal include Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Petersburg and Richmond, and the towns of Ashland, Blackstone, Chase City and South Hill.

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.