VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Richmond District is reminding drivers to avoid nonessential travel Thursday and Friday as precipitation begins in the area and temperatures hover around freezing. Crews are ready to address impacts from wintry weather moving through the region.

“Our primary concern is safety during and after this storm, so we are asking drivers to please avoid travel as much as possible,” said Richmond District Infrastructure Manager Steve Fritton. “Icy conditions present severe challenges to motorists. Additionally, more fallen trees and downed power lines could occur during and after the storm, which could cause continued hazards well after the weather event is over.”

As precipitation begins, crews are positioned throughout the 14-county district and preparing to address possible slick spots. Salt will be used to break down icy patches, and sand will be applied to enhance traction for vehicle tires. Crews will focus primarily on interstate and primary routes, as well as major roads to essential services. Work will continue to restore access to secondary and neighborhood routes in the coming days.

Tips for drivers 

• Avoid travel during and after this event. There is no safe way to drive in icy conditions. Plan travel around winter weather – not during. Pay close attention to local forecasts and utilize VDOT’s 511 app and org to check on road conditions.
• If travel is essential, avoid passing snow plows and other heavy equipment or following them too closely. Please give VDOT crews room to work.
• Report road hazards to VDOT at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or visit my.vdot.virginia.gov

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.

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VDOT’s Richmond District oversees road maintenance 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 road maintenance for their secondary roads (numbered 600 and above) and subdivision streets. Cities that provide their own road maintenance 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.