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VDOT crews prep roads for another winter storm

Posted at 10:59 PM, Mar 16, 2014
and last updated 2014-03-16 23:46:37-04

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. (WTVR) -- The Virginia Department of Transportation is monitoring road conditions as a winter storm bears down on much of the region.

Officials said that crews will apply sand and salt to icy areas; sand to provide extra traction for drivers and salt to melt the snow and ice.

Preparing his plow truck has become a regular routine for Robert Barley, who said it has been a rough winter.

Barley works for an independent company and is a contractor hired by VDOT. He said he's worked every winter storm this season.

"It's been rough, but I'm just trying to keep the roads safe for everybody," said Barely.

For this winter season, VDOT Spokeswoman, Lindsay LeGrand said the department is already over budget by five or six million dollars.

"We'll certainly adjust our maintenance funding as we get closer to spring," said LeGrand.

Like so many, Michael Drake is hoping this is the last time he'll see plows out taking care of the roads until next season.

"I'm really tired of the snow and the cold weather. I'm ready for spring to hit," said Drake.

LeGrand said crews reported to work early this morning to start preparing for the storm. However, she said crews weren't able to pre treat the roads because the storm will start off as rain.

"Any moisture in the precipitation would just wash away any materials that we'd put on the roads," she said.

LeGrand said trucks will work first on interstates, followed by primary roads (routes numbered 1-599) before shifting to secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and above) as conditions allow.

VDOT said crews will continue to work in 12 hour shifts until roads are passable.