VDOT URGES MOTORISTS TO STAY OFF ROADS

Roads across the state are snow covered as snow continues falling

 

RICHMOND -The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) continues to respond to the recent winter storm. Crews have been working non-stop to clear roads across the commonwealth. However, motorists are still urged to stay off the roads as heavy snowfall continues throughout much of Virginia .  Road conditions throughout the state are listed as moderate to severe, with significant accumulation on most interstate, primary and secondary roads.

 

VDOT emergency responders have worked through the night and the morning to treat and plow interstate and primary roads across the state. VDOT crews will continue snow removal efforts throughout the duration of the storm, focusing first on heavily traveled interstate and primary roads, then turning to secondary roads and subdivision streets. VDOT is encouraging motorists to stay off roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. The agency reminds motorists to use caution if they must drive, and contact 511 or www.511virginia.org to get the latest in road closures and traveler information.

Driving Tips

Drivers should:

·          Do not drive unless absolutely necessary, but if you must drive, slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination

·          Check road conditions before they leave home by calling 511 or logging in to 511Virginia.org

·          Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges

·          Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road

·          Do not pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary

VDOT's Winter Weather Tools

VDOT continues to use the latest anti-icing techniques. Anti-icing involves applying chemicals to roadways before a storm to prepare the pavement and prevent a bond from forming between the surface and the snow and ice. VDOT will use anti-icing chemicals, including salt brine, magnesium chloride and calcium chloride, on roads around the state this winter. VDOT has 2,314 pieces of snow removal equipment, 3,146 crew members, 62,000 tons of sand and 239,000 tons of salt available to keep roads clear.

Priorities for Clearing Roads

VDOT's goal is to have all roads passable within 48 hours after a storm ends. Crews first clear interstates, primary roads and major secondary roads that connect localities, fire stations, employment hubs, military posts, schools, hospitals and other important public facilities. They will then treat secondary roads and subdivision streets if multi-day storms hit Virginia , but crews will focus efforts on those roads that carry the most traffic.

Motorist Resources

VDOT has a variety of information sources for road condition updates. The 511 traveler-information service gives drivers the most up-to-date data available about weather, construction and accidents that may affect travel. Updates can be received by calling 511 from any landline or wireless phone or by going online to www.511virginia.org to view traffic cameras, the road condition map and the road condition table-report. Individuals can sign up for e-mail alerts that include weather and incident reporting on the 511 Web site.

For overall winter weather information, VDOT's Web site includes frequently asked questions, driving tips and tools for motorists to learn more about VDOT's winter preparedness at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp . 

VDOT is now posting storm photos from today at http://www.flickr.com/photos/vadot/4315156870/

Drivers can also view videos detailing how VDOT prepares for winter weather and address snow and ice on You Tube.

Snow videos are posted at http://www.youtube.com/user/vdotweb#grid/user/84A0942814F2FECC

For more information about Virginia 's efforts to prepare for winter weather and other emergencies, visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov .

The National Weather Service, Virginia Department of Emergency Management, Virginia Department of Social Services and other state agencies have created the "Ready Virginia" resource to provide residents and visitors with a one-stop shop for emergency preparedness tips and information.

Hanover County Emergency Contact Information:

 

In the event of a major snowstorm this weekend, you can call the County's main number at 365-6000 on Monday morning to learn whether County offices are closed or are opening late. 

 

School closing information can be read at: http://hcps2.hanover.k12.va.us/SchoolClosing.htm

 

Delays or closings will also be announced on Hanover AM 1700, the County's emergency advisory radio station, as well as on local TV and radio stations.  If you want to know if a warming shelter has been opened in the County or if you are concerned about an elderly individual or family at risk of hypothermia, please call 365-6140.

 

New Kent County Emergency Contact Information:

 

In the event of a major snowstorm this weekend, you can call the County's main number at 966-9861 on Monday morning to learn whether County offices are closed or are opening late. 

Due to the impending winter weather advisory, please note the following schedule changes.

 

New Kent Schools do an auto call to all parents about school closings, for more information on School Closing: http://www.newkentschools.org/ 

 

King William County Emergency Contact Information:

Inclement weather or emergency situations may force county offices to open late, close early or close for a full day. The County Administrator or his designee determines decisions regarding such closings. In the case of a closing, county staff will notify the following television stations: WWBT Channel 12, WRIC Channel 8 and WTVR Channel 6. The following radio stations will also be notified: WRVA 1140 AM, WKHK 95.3 FM and WRAR 105.5 FM. The information will also be available by calling the county switchboard at (804) 7690in

Information on School Closing:  http://www.kwcps.k12.va.us/

King and Queen County Emergency Contact Information:

 

In the event of a major snowstorm this weekend, you can call the County's main number at 769-5000 on Monday morning to learn whether County offices are closed or are opening late. 

 

School closing information can be read at: http://www.kqps.net/index.html or http://www.schoolsout.com/view/school/255 

Caroline County Emergency Contact Information:

 

Caroline Residents can stay informed at: Tell a friend/co-worker about Caroline Alert!  Forward messages to them and have them register for this free service at www.carolinealert.com

 

School closing information can be read at:

 

http://www.caroline.k12.va.us/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=9216&&PHPSESSID=524a8eceb1e1d1d4a957a2e1e0b5fb50

Spotsylvania County Emergency Contact Information:

 

In the event of a major snowstorm this weekend, you can call the County's main number at 540-507-7000 on Monday morning to learn whether County offices are closed or are opening late. 

 

School closing information can be read at:

 

http://www.spotsylvania.k12.va.us/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=cduLqnIEBqA%3d&tabid=413

Henrico County Emergency Contact Information:

 

In the event of a major snowstorm this weekend, you can call the County's main number at 501-4000 on Monday morning to learn whether County offices are closed or are opening late. 

 

School closing information can be read at: http://www.henrico.k12.va.us