Snow removal operations have commenced in the Richmond District, managed by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Crews are working continuously in 12-hour shifts to ensure roads across the district are accessible.
The VDOT Richmond District oversees the snow removal of 19,314 lane miles of state-maintained roads. While cities and some towns manage their own roads, VDOT may offer assistance upon request.
Priority is given to interstates, limited-access roads, primary highways, and high-volume secondary roads. Once these are cleared, crews will focus on lower-volume secondary roads and neighborhoods as equipment becomes available. Plows are deployed when snow accumulates to two inches or more, with a mixture of salt and sand applied as needed.
Motorists are advised to avoid non-essential travel during and immediately following the storm to allow plows space to operate safely. Those who must travel should exercise extreme caution, reduce speed, and allocate extra time for their journey.
A road considered “passable” is defined as having an 8- to 10-foot-wide path that allows access for emergency vehicles. It is drivable with extreme caution but remains snow-packed rather than bare pavement or plowed curb-to-curb. Sand is spread on hills, curves, and intersections to improve traction.
For updates from VDOT Richmond District, follow them on social media: X @VaDOTRVA and @511centralva. The statewide Facebook page can be accessed at https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaDOT.
To report road hazards or ask questions related to roads, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or use the online form at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/.
Further winter driving information is available on VDOT’s winter weather page.
