VDOT still working to clear neighborhood roads after snow and sleet

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Even after working around the clock through the weekend's winter storm, it will still take time before neighborhood roads are cleared by Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews.

VDOT said its had 1100 pieces of equipment working to clear snow and ice since the storm began on Saturday, Jan. 24. However, there's still plenty of roads to get to, which means drivers should remain cautious this week.

Virginia State Police (VSP) reported 506 crashes across the state for the duration of the storm, with almost all of them being weather-related. VSP said driving at a high rate of speed, underestimating stopping distance and driving with bald tires all make driving in these conditions more dangerous.

And while the snow, sleet and freezing rain have stopped, any moisture on the roads could refreeze when temperatures plummet in the evening, especially on bridges and overpasses.

"When you're driving over those at a very high rate of speed, a lot of times people lose control," said VSP Sgt. Jessica Sheehan.

VDOT said crews have done a lot of work to clear primary roads and interstates in the last 48 hours. But for secondary and subdivision roads, like the ones in neighborhoods or side streets, there may only be a small travel lane.

"We're getting into the secondaries with full force today," said John Robertson with VDOT. "So expect to see plow trucks on the secondaries, in neighborhoods. There's still a lot of work to do, but we're plowing, treating through the night."

People are still asked to stay off the roads. On top of safety concerns, VDOT said driving over the snow packs it down and makes it even harder to remove.

While having an icy road can be frustrating, VDOT asks for patience with their crews.

"You see people out hard at work, and we appreciate all the time they put out, away from their families, working long nights," Robertson said.

"It's a big effort, but we'll keep doing it until it's done," Robertson said.