IMPORTANT: VDOT road clearing during snow storms

Loudoun County Dulles District Supervisor Stevens Miller request to VDOT to clarify road clearing procedures (where and when) received this explanation:

1. What is VDOT's policy governing which roads are plowed and when?

Crews first clear interstates, primary roads and routes that connect localities, fire stations, employment hubs, military posts, schools, hospitals and other important public facilities. They will then treat secondary roads and subdivision streets if multi-day storms hit Virginia, but crews will focus efforts on roads carrying the most traffic.

2. Why are some side streets and other secondary roads plowed while others nearby are not?

Pre-assigned maps are provided to VDOT’s contractors assigned to specific subdivision streets. Only when there is more than two inches of snow and/or there is ice accumulation exceeding 1/10 of an inch does VDOT assign contractors to subdivisions. However, thoroughfares within subdivision streets, streets next to emergency facilities, hospitals, fire stations, etc. are addressed first.

Many subdivisions have more than one plow assigned to them to clear the streets. If one plow does not get to your street, it probably means another one has been assigned to your part of the neighborhood and will be along soon. Please note that crews clear a path through subdivisions so that vehicles can reach the main roads - they are not cleared curb to curb.

3. How can a resident receive a prediction from VDOT as to when a certain street will be plowed?

As much as VDOT would like to get to all subdivision streets right away, it is not always possible. Depending on the amount of snow and/or type of weather event, it could take anywhere from 48 hours or more to treat/plow subdivision streets.  Interstates and other high-volume commuter routes must be the top priority.

4. Why is it that some streets marked with numbers, or otherwise known to be under VDOT control, never get plowed at all?

VDOT recognizes that it does not have a perfect snow removal process, but it is continuously working hard to improve upon it.   There are times where some streets are missed by VDOT contractors. Please have patience but if you feel your street has been ignored, contact VDOT at NOVAInfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov or (703) 383-VDOT.  

5. Whom should a resident contact if their street has been made impassable by the results of plowing a cross street? 

The best phone number for residents to contact VDOT is (703)383-VDOT or email NOVAInfo@VDOT.Virginia.gov.