News: When Will My Street be Plowed by VDOT?

(Feb. 7, 2010) - The Virginia Department of Transportation is providing the public with information about its snow removal plan and is urging patience as crews work neighborhoods.

As crews work ’round the clock to keep main roads passable, the Virginia Department of Transportation asks northern Virginia residents to be patient over the coming days. Crews must concentrate on interstates and primary roads first, and will then begin to make inroads into subdivisions.

It will be Monday before crews begin to focus on subdivisions. It could take most of the week—especially with more snow expected Tuesday—to finish plowing neighborhoods in Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties.

VDOT reminds residents of the following:

The main, more heavily traveled roads in a subdivision will be plowed first, to be followed by low-volume roads and cul-de-sacs.

Plows will make one or two trips to provide a path through neighborhood streets, but they will not clear to bare pavement or from curb to curb.

Because chemicals are not used in subdivisions, roads will remain snowpacked and rutted after the plow has passed. Crews will put sand on hills, curves and intersections as needed to provide traction.

If planning to shovel their driveways, residents should try to refrain from clearing the last few feet at the curb until your street is plowed, as plows may push snow back into driveways. It also helps to shovel to the right as you face the road.

VDOT does not remove snow from sidewalks or trails.

VDOT plow drivers have assigned routes that include each and every state-maintained road in northern Virginia.

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency and need to leave your home.

If by Wednesday, February 10, 2010, residents have not seen a plow in their subdivision, they can call 703-383-VDOT or e-mail novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov with the location. Photos are also welcomed. Crews will be dispatched to treat missed spots and problem areas.

For overall winter weather information, VDOT’s Web site includes frequently asked questions, driving tips and tools for motorists to learn more about VDOT’s winter preparedness at http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

Drivers can also view videos detailing how VDOT prepares for winter weather and address snow and ice on You Tube. Snow videos are posted at http://www.youtube.com/user/vdotweb#grid/user/84A0942814F2FECC