VDOT News - Richmond

SOUTH CHESTERFIELD, Va. – Richmond District crews have eyes on the skies and the roads as mixed precipitation moves through the region Sunday afternoon. Any slick conditions are being addressed with a combination of salt (which melts ice) and/or sand (which provides traction). 

Additional forecasted winter weather could accumulate on roads throughout the day. Those sections of pavement that receive precipitation could potentially refreeze in the overnight hours Sunday. Crews will monitor for and treat slick spots as they arise, but drivers are urged to use caution and limit travel overnight. 

“Tonight and tomorrow morning could be tricky for drivers,” said Gary Jennings, Acting Richmond District Maintenance Engineer. “Drivers heading to and from Super Bowl events, or heading out to work Monday morning, should use the utmost caution. Assume that any wet pavement could be slick. Air temperatures will be low tonight and any pavement that has not had the chance to dry could become icy.” 

Tips for drivers

• Reduce your speed and use extra caution. Icy conditions cannot be ruled out for Sunday evening and Monday morning, as air and pavement temperatures will remain cold.
• Allow more time to reach your destination and leave extra room between vehicles while driving.
• If you begin to skid, do not brake. Take your foot off the gas and steer the vehicle in the direction you want to go.
• Drivers may encounter slow-moving equipment on the roads during winter weather events. Please make sure to give VDOT vehicles room on the roads and be aware of your surroundings.

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.