City Urges Residents to Remain Off Roadways

City of Richmond snow plows are currently focusing their snow treatment and removal efforts on primary routes, bridges, and hills. To aid this work effort and avoid hazardous driving conditions, residents are asked to remain inside and not travel on city streets. If it becomes absolutely necessary to travel under these conditions, then please consider the following suggestions:

• If you do have to drive, drive cautiously and decrease speed;

• Have a full tank of gas;

• Completely clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving;

• Have a cell phone with a full charge with you;

• Have cold weather items, such as coats and blankets in your vehicle;

• Be cautious and aware of children that may be playing in the snow and pedestrians;

• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake;

• Increase distance between you and the vehicle in front of you;

• Remember overpasses freeze before surface roads and ice may form on the bridges;

• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills; and

• If you begin to lose control of your vehicle take your foot off the gas and steer back on course.

The City of Richmond has developed a new on-line application that will enable residents and visitors to track snow plows activity. To view the Snow Plow Tracker application, visit https://richssl.ci.richmond.va.us/applications/GIS/snowmap/.

The Snow Plow Tracker map includes information for the City’s posted emergency routes, Priority 1 and Priority 2 routes; which includes major arterial routes, such as Broad Street, Midlothian Turnpike and Belvidere Street. It also provides the locations of safety and emergency resources, such as fire stations, police precincts and hospitals, as well as City schools and fire hydrants.