~Training and practice dry run simulation helps city prepare for snow removal season ~

RICHMOND, Va. – In preparation for inclement winter weather and to ensure snow removal readiness, the Department of Public Works (DPW) recently conducted training for staff and completed practice runs of its 60 snow routes to make certain crews are familiar with the routes. 

The department has over 6,000 tons of salt and 500 tons of sand along with 2,000 tons of a mixture of sand and salt, as well as chemicals designed to prevent bridge surfaces from freezing when the temperature is colder than 35 degrees.

During inclement winter weather, the city’s 1860 lane miles are prioritized for pre-treating and snow removal using the following priorities:

• First Priority: bridges, major thoroughfares, arterial streets and emergency routes
• Secondary Priority: minor thoroughfares and designated transit routes - these streets must be cleared first to make them passable for emergency vehicles and to permit entry and exit into the city.  Secondary arterial streets will be cleared to bare pavement within 24 hours after the snow has stopped falling, dependent upon accumulation and temperature.
• Third-Tier Priority: Residential and other local streets

For more information on the Department, please visit us online at www.rva.gov/public-works or email us at AskPublicWorks@rva.gov

We’re Social! During winter storm events, be sure to get up-to-date notifications on the city’s Twitter (X) account @CityRichmondVA

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The City of Richmond Department of Public Works (DPW) is one of only 195 currently accredited public works agencies in the United States. DPW’s portfolio comprises a wide array of services to include leaf collection; street, sidewalk and alley maintenance; trash collection; recycling; grass cutting;  graffiti removal; parking enforcement; urban forestry; street signs; traffic signals and pavement markings and civil engineering. In addition, DPW maintains upkeep on most city buildings; issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages the RVA Bike Share program and maintains the fleet of city vehicles. DPW’s operating budget comes from the general fund of the City of Richmond.  For more information about DPW services, click here or call 3-1-1