VDOT says ice-breaking efforts continue after winter storm

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has shared an update on Thursday morning regarding efforts to break ice on slick roads throughout the Commonwealth.

At nearly 6 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 29, VDOT announced on social media that crews were continuing to break up ice on roads and clear them throughout the state.

VDOT said its crews reached more roads and neighborhoods on Wednesday, Jan. 28, but work will continue throughout the week to reach additional "low-volume secondary roads" and subdivision streets.

According to the department, heavy equipment must first break apart a layer of ice that has formed over snow on the roads. To do so, VDOT is reportedly using motor graders, loaders and dump trucks.

Once the ice is broken, the department said trucks are available to assist with pushing the broken-up ice and snow to the sides of the road.

"This helps to create at least a single lane that is 8-10 feet wide that is drivable with extreme caution," VDOT said in the post.

The department added that trucks can also apply sand to provide traction for motorists.

VDOT said its crews will continue to work "around the clock" in emergency response until all state-maintained roads are safe for travel.