What do you get with 91,000 tons of sand and 307,000 tons of salt? Those materials will help to clear roads after a winter storm passes this season, transportation officials said.
The Virginia Department of Transportation said today they’re ready for harsh winter weather, with a $126 million budget to treat and plow roads in the event of a storm. The budget is $20 million more than last year’s, officials said.
In VDOT’s Northern District which includes Prince William County, they plan to spend $55 million on treating and plowing. In the Fredericksburg district which includes Stafford County, officials budgeted $6.6 million.
In addition to sand and salt, the state also has on hand 401,000 gallons of liquid calcium and 150,000 gallons of liquid magnesium. These chemicals, including salt brine, are used to treat roads ahead of the storm to prevent ice from forming a bond to roadways, said VDOT spokeswoman Tamara Rollison.
The highway agency says they plan to clear all major roads within 48 hours after a major storm hits by using 6,729 state and hired pieces of equipment.
Pre-Treating Roads
When snow or ice is forecast, crews pre-treat trouble spots on interstates and other high-volume roads with anti-icing chemicals including salt brine, magnesium-chloride and calcium-chloride. These chemicals help prepare the pavement and prevent a bond from forming between the roadway and snow and ice.Road priorities
VDOT’s goal is to have all roads passable within 48 hours after the storm ends. Crews begin by clearing interstates, primary roads and major secondary roads that connect localities, fire stations, employment hubs, military posts, schools, hospitals and other important public facilities. Secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated if multi-day storms hit the Commonwealth, but crews will focus efforts on those roads that carry the most traffic.A statewide network of 77 weather sensors in roadways and bridges, plus 16 mobile video data platforms, allows crews to quickly identify when and where road surfaces might be freezing.
-VDOT
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Big decisions and new initiatives are always unfolding around us—decisions that can leave us questioning the future and wondering how they will impact our community. But at Potomac Local News, we’re dedicated to showing you the way forward, helping you understand these changes and what they mean for the road ahead.
This week, we brought you exclusive stories that showcase how our community is evolving, from the cancellation of a major road project to the launch of new fundraising initiatives. Here’s how we’re showing you the way forward:
A debate over financial transparency and fiscal responsibility erupted during the Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ meeting as members weighed the transfer of $31.6 million to Prince William County Schools (PWCS). The funds, representing the school division’s share of the Fiscal Year 2024 general revenue surplus, were allocated under the county’s long-standing revenue-sharing agreement.
While the measure ultimately passed, some supervisors raised concerns that the county’s revenue-sharing model does not adequately oversee how the school system spends taxpayer money.
Osbourn Park High School has received the Virginia School Breakfast Award from the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for its success in expanding breakfast access, maintaining nutritional integrity, and serving more scratch-cooked meals. The school is one of three recipients this year.
Cafeteria manager Nidia Bruno expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the team’s dedication to feeding students. Andrea Early, director of Food and Nutrition, noted that breakfast participation at Osbourn Park has increased by 30% and praised the cafeteria team for efficiently managing the expanded program. The school benefits from the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students.
(FXBG Advance) – Local delegates Joshua Cole, a Democrat, and Hillary Pugh Kent, a Republican, have been appointed to an emergency committee that will monitor the impact to Virginia of the…
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
