Why aren’t Virginia’s roads being cleared quickly after snow, ice storm?

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- While most interstates, parkways and turnpikes have been treated following the weekend's snow and ice storm, many Virginians are asking: why aren't neighborhood streets being cleared more quickly?

Snow began the afternoon of Saturday, Jan. 24, then turned into sleet and freezing rain, continuing until about midnight on Sunday, Jan. 25. While the precipitation has stopped, many roads remain icy, creating dangerous driving conditions across the region.

A little over 500 crashes were reported statewide during the dangerous snow and ice storm that hit Virginia, according to Virginia State Police (VSP).

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has been working around the clock since the weekend winter storm swept through the Commonwealth, but many neighborhood and secondary streets remain icy.

The Department of Public Works (DPW) and VDOT said that the combination of snow and precipitation in the region due to the storm has made cleanup efforts challenging.

Driving over the snow packs it down and makes it even harder to remove, VDOT said. Below-freezing temperatures limit the effectiveness of salt in melting ice. Trucks with plows are less effective on thick ice, while heavier equipment can apply more down pressure and force to push the ice and snow out of the travel lanes.

Final crash numbers, power outages and icy conditions after the winter storm

According to a social post shared by VDOT the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 28, crews are applying a mix of sand and salt to Interstate 95, primary roads and high-volume secondary roads that have been plowed to improve traction and reduce icing, but slick spots remain possible -- and it won't get better for a while, as long as freezing temperatures continue to refreeze roads.

Road surfaces may be especially slick on bridges and overpasses and along ramps, the department said.

“We start off treating streets that take care of five, 10, 15,000 vehicles per day,” DPW director Bobby Vincent told 8News earlier this week. “On those streets that take care of 150 cars per day, it’s going to take us a little while to get those taken care of in the same priority.”

Henrico Police urge drivers to clear snow and ice for safe driving

In Fredericksburg alone, VDOT crews said that while progress is improving road conditions on low-volume secondary roads in the area, removal efforts are expected to continue 24 hours a day for several days.

Wet pavement from melted snow or slush is anticipated to refreeze overnight, prolonging hazardous driving conditions.

“VDOT is working hard to get the secondary and subdivision roads, but it takes time," said Matt Demlein, a spokesperson with VSP. "There is a lot of now and a lot of ice. Unlike many storms that we have here, it’s not warming up to melt."

Those who are involved in a crash should dial #77 for the non-emergency line, Demlein said. With the potential for another winter storm headed toward Central Virginia this weekend, state police are still urging drivers to stay home if they can.