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VDOT outlines snow-response plan for Goochland, explains route priorities and brining operations
Summary
VDOT resident engineer Philip Frazier briefed the board on Goochland's snow-response plan, including priority route classifications, mobilization levels from anti-icing to full plow operations, contractor hiring timelines and coordination with schools. He emphasized resource shifting across residencies and avoidance of salt on chip-sealed roads.
Philip Frazier, the VDOT resident engineer in Ashland, presented the department's snow and ice preparedness plan to the Goochland Board of Supervisors on Dec. 2.
Frazier explained VDOT's prioritized route system (Priority 1–4) and what each level means for plowing, de-icing and the timing of response. He described mobilization levels from pretreatment (brine application) through full mobilization that calls in all available staff and contractors. "Keep Virginia moving," he said, summarizing the residency's operational goal.
Frazier walked the board through local workstreams: a July advertisement process to recruit hired-equipment contractors, August informational meetings for contractors, September procurement steps, October training and dry runs, and November equipment inspections. He cautioned that chemical brine applications are effective but that salt use is avoided on chip-sealed surfaces because salts can damage those pavements.
Board members asked follow-up questions about brine longevity, how to sign up for CDL/hired-equipment roles, and how route priorities apply across county lines. Frazier said brine effectiveness depends on weather (rain can wash it away), that the VDOT website lists openings and application pathways, and that route prioritization follows VDOT classifications rather than county boundaries. The residency also noted a pilot to formalize communications with school systems about opening decisions.
VDOT staff offered to continue coordinating with county staff and to provide more detail about contractor outreach and mobilization thresholds.
