VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Richmond District crews are ready for the first wave of winter weather anticipated over the next several days.

“This will not be a quick event, but it will be multiple waves of weather that will impact the region. VDOT is ready and prepared for whatever comes our way,” said Sean Nelson, Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. 

Crews will continue preparing equipment throughout the day and will report in this evening to begin working in 12-hour shifts around the clock until all roads are safe and passable.

Additional Safety Service Patrol vehicles as well as towing contractors will be on the interstates starting Thursday evening to assist with traffic incidents. Tree crews will also be mobilized Thursday evening to remove debris from travel lanes or potential fallen trees due to ice in the forecast.

Tips for drivers

• Make all required trips before precipitation starts tonight. Ice is difficult to maneuver when driving, so delay any non-essential travel until road conditions are safe.
• If travel is essential, avoid passing snow plows and other heavy equipment or following them too closely. Please give VDOT crews room to work.
• Keep an eye on local forecasts. Check 511 and other local resources for the latest conditions near you.
• Call 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or visit https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/ any time, 24/7, to report road hazards.

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. 

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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.