VDOT Earmarks $220 Million for Inclement Weather Road Remediation

Snow has arrived in Highland County and the Virginia Department of Transportation is at the height of preparation for the upcoming winter season. Equipment, materials and staffing are in place and ready to go the moment winter weather arrives.

VDOT Chief of Maintenance and Operations Kevin Gregg said those traveling in and through the commonwealth can be confident in VDOT’s preparedness as the seasons change. With more than 57,000 lane miles of roadway to maintain across the commonwealth, the focus remains on the safety of the traveling public, especially during inclement weather. Recent operational improvements mean that VDOT crews are trained, experienced and equipped to get the job done when snow arrives.

According to the release, VDOT has set aside $220 million for winter weather, and more than 2,300 VDOT crew members are available for snow removal statewide. Currently, more than 10,200 pieces of snow removal equipment including trucks, loaders, mowers and graters are available for use. More than 702,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasives, and more than 1.9 million gallons of liquid calcium chloride and salt brine, are also available for use.

Across the state, if snow reaches more than two inches or more, VDOT activates an online snow plow tracking map. Automatic vehicle location technology is operational statewide and all VDOT owned and contracted plows are equipped with AVL, allowing them to be monitored on the snow plow tracker. 

During winter, it is important to regularly monitor weather forecasts and have a winter weather driving plan ahead of time. When inclement weather arrives, motorists are encouraged to visit 511virginia.org, or call 511 for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions before travel.