VDOT News - Hampton Roads
| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Holly Christopher 757-956-3032 hamptonroadspublicinfo@vdot.virginia.gov |
HRO-173679 Jan. 27, 2021 |
VDOT HAMPTON ROADS IS WINTER-READY
Crews beginning pretreatment in advance of inclement weather
With the threat of winter weather moving into the region, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews in the Hampton Roads District have mobilized to begin pretreatment activities in advance of the storm.
VDOT continues its commitment to being responsive during snow events, and the department's budget, materials, equipment and staffing are in place and ready for this event.
Crews will begin pretreatment activities today, spreading brine along the interstate system across Hampton Roads. Brine increases the freezing temperature of the surface, helping to prevent ice on the road.
Motorists are advised to plan their trips around the storm, rather than through the storm, paying close attention to both beginning and end travel points, as those conditions can change with time. VDOT crews will be working around the clock to monitor and treat roads as needed.
NEW: Snow information videos with travel safety tips available for download here.
Photos and footage from the 2019-2020 Hampton Roads District Snow Press Conference held in Norfolk are available for download here.
VDOT equipment, materials:
For 2020-2021, VDOT Hampton Roads has a snow budget of $8.4 million, with $211 million in total set aside for winter weather across the Commonwealth. Within the Hampton Roads District, there are 467 pieces of equipment available for snow and ice-control activities, including trucks with plows and salt spreaders, as well as front end loaders and backhoes. VDOT also has the capability to bring on more hired equipment, depending on weather conditions.
Materials and supplies currently in stock for snow and ice removal in Hampton Roads include:
- 24,341 tons of salt,
- 16,973 tons of sand, and
- 168,400 gallons of salt brine.
The district supplies are fully stocked. VDOT replenishes supplies as they are used throughout the winter.
Road-clearing priorities:
VDOT’s goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours after a winter storm ends, if there are no additional accumulations.
Crews first begin clearing interstates, primary roads and major secondary roads that connect localities, fire stations, employment hubs, military posts, schools, hospitals and other important public facilities. Secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated if multi-day storms hit the Commonwealth, but crews will focus efforts on those roads that carry the most traffic.
VDOT maintains all interstates, major state-maintained primary routes, and county roads in Hampton Roads. Individual municipalities maintain their own primary and secondary routes.
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 are equipped with AVL, allowing them to be monitored on the snowplow tracker.
Have a plan before you drive:
Before traveling, you can get the latest traffic conditions by calling 511, or go to www.511virginia.org. You also can download Virginia’s free 511 mobile app at http://www.virginiadot.org/
- 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) -- Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling this statewide toll-free number.
- Twitter -- Follow us @VaDOTHR and @511hamptonroads for the latest weather/traffic updates during a storm.
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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.
Page last modified: Aug. 17, 2023