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Virginia’s snow fighters gird for battle early — and this year it’s good that they did.
Storms in November over much of the State came sooner than expected, dumping up to 30 inches of snow in some western areas.
“We believe our preparations made operations effective then, since the interstate routes and most primary roads were virtually dear within a matter of hours,” says John M. Wray, Jr., maintenance engineer for the Virginia Department of Highways.
Back in the summer, the Department’s forces began the annual job of making things ready.
Some 62,000 tons of chemicals (calcium and sodium chloride) and 210,000 tons of sand were ordered, and an initial supply was stockpiled in more than 350 locations throughout the State. More than 300 miles of snow fence was erected along many sections of highway. Experience has shown that when placed strategically, these fences can trap much of the snow before the winds that often accompany a winter storm can sweep it onto the highway itself.
The State’s squad of more than 1,700 trucks which can be equipped for plowing, some 500 motor graders used for the same purpose, and 170 tractors and other specialized vehicles were checked for readiness.
In addition, arrangements were made with private contractors to make about 1,500 pieces of similar equipment and sufficient operators available to support theState’s crews in the event of severe storms.
Some of this equipment is contracted by special “fleet agreements,” other by agreement to use individual pieces of equipment.
During autumn, the Department’s 6,000 employees who are normally involved in winter’s snow battles on a State-wide basis were briefed on their specific assignments, and memorized the routes they would cover.
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