ABINGDON, Va. – Layoffs and budget cuts at the Virginia Department of Transportation won’t affect snow removal this winter, VDOT officials said Monday.
“Snow and ice still are staying the same this year. They will stay the same despite the other cuts,” said Michelle Earl, spokeswoman for VDOT. “The level of service that we’ve always given will remain the same. The budget cats are not a factor in emergency response, and that’s what we consider snow removal.”
Mike Branham, district maintenance engineer for VDOT, said the next round of layoffs, likely to be announced this winter and take effect next year, will not include maintenance employees.
VDOT officials said Monday they have no predictions on the severity of this year’s winter weather – but they’ll be ready when it arrives.
In preparation for this year’s snow season, VDOT has 239,000 tons of road salt and 2,314 pieces of snow removal equipment ready to roll to clear the roads, according to the transportation department.
Earl said the Bristol District gets $11.9 million of the state’s $79.6 million snow removal budget.
But Randy Felty, who has driven snow removal equipment for VDOT for 25 years, said the department’s advance preparation and snow-clearing efforts are not a substitute for motorists’ common sense.
“If you don’t have to go out, don’t go out,” said Felty of driving in snowy weather. “[If you must drive] take more time. You can’t get up at the same time and
expect to get to work at the same time.”
He said some things have changed in 25 years that have made it easier to get around when it snows. For example, more roads are paved, meaning more can be cleared and salted effectively.
But, he said, motorists’ expectations have also changed.
“Back then, you didn’t have that much traffic, and they made provisions for when it snowed,” Felty said. “Now, they expect it’ll be clear when they get there.”
He says it’s still a good idea to get up 30 minutes early to allow extra travel time when it snows – and understand that calling VDOT won’t get the roads cleared any faster.
He advises planning alternate routes that use main roads, which are more likely to be cleared first. And, even in the era of cell phones, it’s still a good idea to be prepared to keep warm in the car in case you get stuck.
And, when following behind the road-clearing trucks, remember to keep a safe distance.
“Just because a state truck’s in front of you doesn’t mean he won’t get stuck or slide backwards,” Felty said.
dmccown@bristolnews.com | (276) 791-0701
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