Because of the numerous emails and phone calls I have received regarding snow removal, I spoke with Sean Connaughton, Secretary of Transportation, about the snow cleanup efforts.  He has driven through the many subdivisions and seen the mountains of snow. He is aware of the issues facing Northern Virginia including inadequate road widths, slick spots, poor sight distance at intersections because of the snow mountains, and cleared sidewalks being covered with snow by plows, to name a few.  VDOT is working at addressing these issues and appreciates the public's help in identifying problem areas.   Please continue to contact either VDOT (703-383-VDOT) or my office (804-698-1086 or 703-437-9400) with concerns.

I spoke with the Northern Virginia VDOT District Administrator this morning to advise him of the complaints my office was receiving about snow plow drivers pushing snow onto already cleared sidewalks, making it impossible for students to walk to school.  He is acutely aware of the problem and he has directed his area superintendents to spot check areas where complaints have been made.  Most of these issues have been caused by VDOT contractors, so VDOT has issued additional directions on snow plowing in subdivisions.  

A number of us have spoken with Governor McDonnell's office and asked for a thorough review of VDOT's snow plan to learn what was done right and what area's need improvement so that VDOT can respond better during the next major snow storm of this magnitude.  I will be following up with a letter to the Governor's office as well.

Thanks for your continued patience as we work through this "perfect storm" of a generation.
 
Warm regards,