VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Snow has ended in the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) 14-county Richmond District, and crews continue to address any remnants of the storm. Snow accumulations in the district ranged from a dusting to 2.5 inches.

All interstate and primary (numbered 1-599) routes in the district are clear, but wet pavement is being monitored closely for refreeze. Most secondary (numbered 600+) and subdivision roads in the district are in minor condition, with some icy patches on portions of the roadway. Although snow accumulations were minimal on district roads, cold conditions, wind and refreeze will remain a concern Saturday.

“Air and pavement temperatures are bitterly cold this morning, and aren’t expected to rise much above freezing today,” said Gary Jennings, Acting Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. “Any wet pavement is being monitored closely and treated where freezing occurs. Drivers should use extra caution if traveling Saturday, as any wet spots could become slick.”

Crews will continue working until all state-maintained roads are safe. Slick spots will be addressed with salt to melt ice and sand to give vehicles traction.

Tips for drivers

• Give weather response vehicles plenty of room (at least 100 feet) and don't pass them. Drivers may encounter slow-moving equipment on the roads during and after winter weather events.
• Any wet pavement could quickly become icy while temperatures remain low. Assume that any wet pavement is slick, and use extra caution if you must travel. Bridges, overpasses, ramps, curves, turns and shaded areas freeze first.
• Reduce speed when driving and leave extra space between vehicles. If you begin to skid, take your foot off the brake and steer your vehicle in the direction you want to go.

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.