There have been numerous comments on our community social media pages about snow removal on both VDOT and non-VDOT roads following last weekend’s winter storm. For some residents, dealing with snow, ice storms, or any unexpected weather in the NNK is a new and sometimes difficult challenge. However, as Barbara Cole mentioned in her introduction to this month’s GHCP News, it’s our community spirit and graciousness that truly see us through—neighbors step up with tips for preparation, creative solutions, and hands-on help, often armed with shovels. We sincerely appreciate everyone who has offered support with your suggestions and assisted others over the past week.

This article provides some general information about the criteria used by VDOT to determine the order in which roads are plowed and some useful information from VDOT’s website addressing frequently asked questions which many of you have posed.

Who is responsible for plowing our community roads?  The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is responsible for clearing all state-maintained roads in GHCP.  Throughout the year, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) employees across the state prepare for winter storms by testing equipment, practicing snow routes and stockpiling salt, sand, and equipment at strategic locations.  The actual snow removal may be done by VDOT employees or by individuals and companies with whom VDOT has contracted to undertake that work.

VDOT has a standing priority list that determines which roads are plowed first during and after a snow event.  Safety and connectivity are key to VDOT’s priority list, so roads carrying the most traffic get top priority.  Snow emergency routes are also among the roads designated for immediate snow removal so emergency vehicles can use them.

If your road is maintained by VDOT, it will be treated after interstates, primary roads, and high-volume secondary roads are plowed when the accumulation of snow on the roads is 2” or greater. 

The gravel roads in our community are not state-maintained and VDOT does not provide any support for snow removal.  The GHCP Association usually contracts with a single individual/local company for snow removal on these non-VDOT roads when the accumulation of snow is 4” or greater.  The difference in snow accumulation before plowing on these roads is to assure that the base level of gravel and grading on the gravel road is not removed by plowing.  If there is any snowplow damage on the non-VDOT roads, please contact Charles Powell, Chair, GHCP Roads and Grounds Committee, to report the problem.  He can be reached at 703-929-3806.

Frequently Asked Questions.  VDOT’s website on Winter Weather and Snow Removal has information on winter weather travel and safety on the road, as well as answers to many of the most common questions.  Below, we have re-posted some of the questions/answers that repeatedly came up in our community social media this past week.  We hope these are helpful. Here is the link to the VDOT webpage with further information that may be helpful.  [https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/travel-traffic/driver-safety/weather/]

Question: Why haven’t you plowed in my neighborhood?  When will I see plows in my neighborhood?

If your road is maintained by VDOT, it will be treated after interstates, primary roads, and high-volume secondary roads are plowed if 2 or more inches of snow have accumulated on them. Each storm dynamic is different from the next, but snow removal crews work around the clock until conditions are safe for travel.

Question: Why did you plow a neighboring street but not mine?

Snow clearing priorities for VDOT-maintained roads are to treat the most heavily traveled roads first. If two inches of snow have accumulated, crews will work to make a single travel lane in neighborhoods. Cul-de-sacs and pipe-stems that carry very low traffic volumes are generally treated last.  [In GHCP, on Glebe Harbor Drive and Royal Way, a single travel lane was first plowed on these main streets, and later the streets that branch off from these two main roads were plowed, again with a single travel lane.]

Question: My road was missed.  What do I do?

If you believe your road has been missed, please contact the VDOT Customer Service Center at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov and select “I want to report a weather-related issue.”

Question: What’s the best way to shovel my driveway so the plow doesn’t push the snow back into it? 

To avoid doing double work, shovel snow from your driveway once the plow has passed. Shovel it to the right of your driveway as you face the road. By creating this open area of about 10 feet, you’ll eliminate the chance of a plow pushing snow back across your driveway apron.

Question: How can I avoid having the snowplow bury my driveway and cars?

Unfortunately, there is limited room to put snow. Crews push snow off the road, to the right. It can end up in gutters, on road shoulders, and can sometimes block driveways. The best way to ensure that VDOT crews have the most room to work is by parking in your driveway, or if you must park on the road, please park on the odd-numbered side.

Question: A snowplow damaged my mailbox.  What do I do?

Please enter a ticket for the mailbox damage on myVDOT, our Customer Service Center portal, to initiate the claims process. Unfortunately, you cannot submit a claim via phone.

Note: You can also go to https://my.vdot.virginia.gov to report any road damage caused by the snowplow.  It may take some time before the problem is corrected, but VDOT will come out to address any issues caused by the snowplows.

 

posted 01.28.26