VDOT outlines snow‑response plan for Goochland: priorities, brining and contractor staging explained

Philip Frazier, VDOT resident engineer, briefed the Board on the department’s winter operations and readiness for forecasted cold weather.

Frazier explained the residency’s route priority system: Priority 1 (NHS routes and interstates) receive the highest level of treatment, followed by Priority 2 (primary/minor arterials), Priority 3 (collectors and subdivision routes) and Priority 4 (low‑volume or non‑hard‑surface routes). He described abrasives (typically a 10:1 sand‑to‑salt mixture) used on surface‑treated roads to avoid damaging chip‑seal pavements and explained that brine (pre‑treatment) is applied about 24 hours before a storm when appropriate.

The presentation described mobilization levels from pre‑treatment (anti‑icing) through full 24‑hour plow rotations and the use of contracted equipment. Frazier said crews typically can get primary systems cleared in about 24 hours and that the residency starts vendor engagement as early as July to line up hired equipment and CDL drivers. He also highlighted real‑time truck tracking available on the VDOT website and ongoing efforts to better coordinate school closure decision timelines with local school systems.

Supervisors asked about lead times on brining, contractor recruitment and whether priority designations cross county lines; VDOT confirmed brining is inexpensive insurance and that priorities are consistent across neighboring jurisdictions for shared route designations.

Frazier closed by offering to provide regular status updates to county staff when multi‑day operations are likely.