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Why VDOT urges you to park in your driveway ahead of tonight’s snowstorm

Posted at 12:39 PM, Feb 25, 2015
and last updated 2015-02-25 12:39:01-05

RICHMOND, Va. -- Accumulating snow is expected to fall Wednesday night into Thursday morning. Up to eight inches of snow is predicted for some parts of Virginia. The Virginia Department of Transportation reported it has pre-treated Virginia interstates ahead of the snowstorm. Extremely low temperatures made pre-treating roads less effective during last week's snowstorm.

"Crews began pre-treating interstates yesterday with a saltwater brine mixture to prevent snow from bonding with the pavement. Pre-treatment will continue today on primary and major secondary roads," VDOT spokesman Jessica Cowardin wrote in an email. "Crews have also been readying salt, sand and approximately 2,500 pieces of equipment for the storm, which is expected to begin around 11 p.m. and continue through early morning Thursday."

Where should I park?

Ahead of snowstorms, some drivers park their cars on the street, as opposed to their driveway, because they find it less treacherous getting out once the snow stops. VDOT, however, has urged drivers to park in their driveways.

"Residents of neighborhood and subdivision streets are asked to plan ahead and park vehicles in a driveway or off of the road, if possible, to allow plow drivers additional clearance on narrow side streets," VDOT advised.

Once the snowstorm begins, VODT crews will apply sand and salt to major roads in an effort to melt the snow and provide traction.