VDOT: Roads prepped Friday for season’s first snow

A snow plow sits ready to roll at the Stephens City VDOT yard. /Photos by Norma Jean Shaw

STAUNTON –Snow was falling on many parts of the Shenandoah Valley early Saturday morning and was forecast to continue through the afternoon. Virginia Department of Transportation spokesperson Sandy Myers says VDOT has crews deployed throughout the Staunton District to plow or treat roads as needed.

While roadways are primarily reported to be wet, some areas of snow or slush are possible – especially on elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses.

Myers said in a Saturday morning email that VDOT performed anti-icing operations on Shenandoah Valley interstate and some primary roads during the day on Friday.

The Staunton District, according to Myers, has a $15.6 million snow-removal budget, which is part of the district’s overall maintenance budget this fiscal year of $130.5 million.

While VDOT is responsible for clearing all state-maintained roads, interstates and major highways, such as U.S. Routes 340/522 have priority over lesser-traveled roads and streets. Myers said the VDOT goal is to make all roads passable within 48 hours of a storm’s end.

The Town of Front Royal is charged with clearing its own streets.

Clifton Balderson, VDOT’s Edinburg residency administrator, said in a recent visit to the Stephens City VDOT facility that snow removal crews work 24/7 to keep the commonwealth’s roads safe and passable under wintry conditions.

A salt brine mixing tank at the Stephens City VDOT yard. 12 tanks hold the prepared brine until it is needed.

At the Stephens City location, VDOT produces salt brine, which prevents snow and ice from sticking to the pavement when used as a pre-treatment before the storm.

Salt is VDOT’s primary snow-removal and ice-control chemical, but it works at 27 degrees or above.. If the temperature dips below 27 degrees, the salt will not melt the frozen precipitation, and abrasives and calcium chloride must be used.

For winter weather road conditions go to 511 VIRGINIA, on the orange bar at the top of the page, click on “Text Views” and then click on “Road Condition Table”. Look at the pull-down box that lists all jurisdictions, then select a county to check road conditions.

VDOT offers a free 511 app for android or IOS mobile phones. Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. Go to Free Virginia 511 Tools to get your 511 app.

The VDOT Customer Service Center can be accessed through its mobile-friendly website at VDOT website. Agents are on site 24/7 365 days a year to assist the public. Motorists can also call the VDOT Customer Service Center at 800-FOR- ROAD (800-367-7623).

The Staunton District Snow Page is on the VDOT website under Travel Center Snow Emergency Pages. The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton.

The VDOT Web page  is located at VDOT website.