Virginia VDOT Prepares 12,000 Vehicles for Winter

The Virginia Department of Transportation says it is completing preparations for winter weather, with crews and contractors ready to plow and treat more than 128,000 lane miles across the state. Mechanics are checking more than 12,000 pieces of equipment, and operators are testing vehicles and practicing assigned routes; VDOT also has more than 700,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasive and over 1.9 million gallons of brine in stock. The agency advises drivers to check tires, batteries and windshield wipers, and to carry an emergency kit with essentials such as blankets, water, jumper cables and traction material. One commentary welcomed the preparation but said it was not eager for winter weather to arrive.