VDOT to deploy 4000+ trucks and plows to prep for storm

By 4 a.m. Wednesday, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) says it will deploy more than 4,000 salt trucks and plows throughout northern Virginia in preparation for up to a foot of wet, heavy snow.

Emergency tree contractors are on standby as strong winds could bring down trees and power lines, according to a VDOT news release.

“We are urging commuters to stay off the road on Wednesday and let our crews clear the roads,” VDOT maintenance engineer Branco Vlacich was quoted as saying. “Roads likely will be treacherous at times.”

Major routes will be treated with chemicals and plowed once two inches have fallen.  In subdivisions and other low volume roads hills and other trouble spots will be treated with sand and plowed when two inches have accumulated.

In northern Virginia, VDOT has one snow removal program for high volume roads such has Interstates 66, 95, 395, 495, Routes 1, 7, 15, 28, 50, Fairfax County Parkway, Prince William Parkway, etc.), and another snow removal program for subdivisions (main thoroughfares in neighborhoods, residential streets and cul de sacs).  According to VDOT, crews will be working on high volume roads and in subdivisions concurrently. Within each of these programs, roads with the highest traffic volumes will be cleared first.

VDOT is responsible for 17,679 lane miles in Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington counties (Arlington County maintains its own secondary roads).

VDOT reminds motorists to use caution when driving during wintry weather. Drivers should:
• Check current weather, road conditions and traffic before traveling at http://www.511Virginia.org or by calling 511
• Slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination
•  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

For more information on northern Virginia’s snow removal program, and to report road problems call 1-800-FOR-ROAD or go to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).