VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Precipitation has wrapped up in the Richmond District, but Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews remain alert for icy spots that may impact Monday morning commutes.

Crews will be on the lookout for any freezing overnight Sunday, treating slick spots with salt to melt ice and sand to provide traction for drivers. Areas where wind circulates more freely, such as bridges and overpasses, will be a particular focus along with ramps, curves, turns and shaded areas. Standing water on travel lanes where slush has melted after Sunday’s storm will also be more susceptible to refreeze. VDOT teams will remain mobilized to address icy patches until roads are deemed safe.

“Wet pavement and cold temperatures are prime conditions for black ice to form,” said Richmond District Maintenance Engineer Sean Nelson, P.E. “Although the sun has done us a huge favor in melting slush today, drivers should use extra caution overnight and into Monday until temperatures rise and the pavement dries out.”

Overnight travel and Monday commutes

• Check 511 and local news resources for road conditions near you.
• Take it slow. Allow extra time to reach your destination, and keep your distance from other vehicles.
• Use extra caution, especially on bridges, overpasses, ramps, curves and shaded roads. These areas freeze first if pavement is wet, and black ice cannot be ruled out until temperatures rise and roads are dry.
• If you begin to skid, do not brake suddenly or accelerate. Guide your vehicle in the direction you want to go and lightly brake until you come to a stop.
• Report any hazardous road conditions by calling 800-367-7623 (FOR-ROAD) or visiting https://my.vdot.virginia.gov.

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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.