Commonwealth readies for the snow

The Virginia Department of Transportation says it is working with a $79.6 million snow removal budget this year, and is now preparing to keep the roads clear even before the first flake falls.

"We remain committed to our mission as an emergency response agency. During winter weather, drivers in Virginia count on us to keep people, services and goods moving safely from one corner of the commonwealth to the other," stated VDOT Commissioner David S. Ekern in a press release. "While VDOT is making tough decisions to balance a significant revenue shortfall, our snow and ice removal standards will not change."

The agency is charged with keeping the primary, secondary and interstate highways clear of snow and ice in the event of a winter storm. VDOT dedicated $14 million for snow and ice removal for interstate highways this year, maintained through interstate contracts, Ekern added.

The agency aims to have all roads in the state passable at least 48 hours after a storm clears. Interstate highways are cleared first, then primary roads and major secondary roads that connect localities, fire stations, major employment centers, hospitals, military posts, schools, and other facilities are treated, stated the press release.

The preparations for winter driving season comes as the state -- for the second year in a row -- is doing a mid-year reevaluation of the state's transportation funding plan, in light of a $900 million funding shortfall over the next six years, Virginia Department of Transportation spokesman Jeffery Caldwell stated last week. VDOT this year, in a cost-cutting effort, oversaw the closure of 19 highway rest areas.

VDOT begins snow preparations each year during the summer months, the press release stated. Crews have been testing and stockpiling equipment since then.

Most neighborhood streets are treated or cleared in the first 48 hours if the storm lasts more than a day. Other considerations are also taken into affect, including the road's traffic volume, the press release stated.

The state last year deployed anti-icing techniques that VDOT will continue to use this year. They consist of spraying a mixture of chemicals to the roadway surface before the storm hits, to prevent a bond from forming between the road surface and the snow and ice. The anti-icing chemicals, including a mixture of salt brine -- magnesium chloride and calcium chloride -- will be used throughout the state this winter, stated VDOT.

The agency urges state travelers to check the Web site 511virginia.org, where they can view current information on road and weather conditions, as well as sign up for state-issued e-mail alerts. Drivers may also dial 511 from any phone to get updates.

Staff writer Uriah A. Kiser can be reached at 703-878-8065.