Winter driving in Virginia: What VDOT is doing to prepare

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - With leaves falling and temperatures dropping, the Virginia Department of Transportation is in the final stages of its winter preparation.

VDOT maintains more than 128,000 lane miles of roadway across Virginia, working with contractors to prepare for, plow and treat winter weather conditions.

The agency says it has the equipment, materials and people ready to respond to icy precipitation across the commonwealth.

VDOT crews use more than 12,000 pieces of equipment every winter. From plow blades to salt and sand spreaders, every piece of equipment is checked and repaired by mechanics throughout the year.

“Safety is at the forefront of everything we do at VDOT. We plan throughout the year to ensure our crews are prepared for winter weather,” said Acting Chief of Maintenance and Operations Anne Booker.

“Our preparations include not only materials and equipment used to treat roads, but employees and contractors who help us deliver a safe and reliable transportation system for drivers...”

Along with staffing and equipment, the agency prepares for winter by stocking up on materials to treat the roads before, during and after a snowstorm.

This includes over 700,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasive, as well as more than 1.9 million gallons of brine.

How drivers can prepare

VDOT encourages drivers to get their vehicles ready as temperatures continue to drop:

• Check your tire pressure — it drops along with the temperature. Make sure each tire is filled to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, and replace any old tires with worn-down tread.
• Check your battery, especially if you’ve recently had to jump-start your vehicle.
• Check brake lights, headlights, turn signals and emergency flashers.
• Make sure you have windshield wiper fluid and that all windshield wipers work properly.
• Prepare an emergency driving kit. It can include items such as a flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, first aid kit, bottled water, nonperishable food, and abrasive material for traction, such as cat litter or sand.

Before you hit the road this winter, check VDOT’s free mobile 511 app or visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov to get up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions.