VDOT Prepares for Winter, More Funds This Year

According to Virginia Department of Transportation, there were only five days last year when it wasn’t snowing someplace in Virginia. This year, VDOT has a $20 million increase in funds for 2011-2012.

“Severe weather has become the new normal in recent years, and we urge residents and motorists to be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions. Have a plan. And most importantly, be where you need to be before the weather gets bad,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley in a prepared statement.  

The Commonwealth spent $207.9 million on snow operations during the winter of 2010-2011, and $266.8 million during the winter of 2009-2010, this year’s budget is $126 million.

Provided by VDOT, here’s a break down of the funds by locale:

DISTRICT

EQUIPMENT

BUDGET

Bristol

515

16,307,000

Salem

983

12,319,000

Lynchburg

584

4,735,000

Richmond

1,193

10,243,000

Hampton Roads

328

3,141,000

Fredericksburg

745

6,638,000

Culpeper

674

6,777,000

Staunton

848

10,647,000

Northern Virginia

3,224

55,132,000

Statewide Total

9,094

$125,939,000

By the numbers:

• VDOT has a total of 6,729 state and hired pieces of equipment.

In stock (will be replenished as need be):

• 91,000 tons of sand
• 307,000 tons of salt
• 401,000 gallons of liquid calcium chloride
• 150,000 gallons of liquid magnesium chloride

Also provided by VDOT:

"Pre-treating Roads

When snow or ice is forecast, crews pre-treat trouble spots on interstates and other high-volume roads with anti-icing chemicals including salt brine, magnesium-chloride and calcium-chloride.  These chemicals help prepare the pavement and prevent a bond from forming between the roadway and snow and ice. 

Road priorities

VDOT’s goal is to have all roads passable within 48 hours after the storm ends. Crews begin by clearing interstates, primary roads and major secondary roads that connect localities, fire stations, employment hubs, military posts, schools, hospitals and other important public facilities.  Secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated if multi-day storms hit the Commonwealth, but crews will focus efforts on those roads that carry the most traffic.

A statewide network of 77 weather sensors in roadways and bridges, plus 16 mobile video data platforms, allows crews to quickly identify when and where road surfaces might be freezing."