RICHMOND, VA. -
The Commonwealth has had four rounds of budget cuts so far this year and the Virginia Department of Transportation was not immune in having to make big changes.
VDOT has $79.6 million budgeted from snow and ice removal operations this year, but is that enough to make sure roads are safe when winter weather hits Central Virginia?
We're ready to go, no matter what type of winter we have this year," said VDOT'S Chief Communications Director Jeff Caldwell.
And in this tough economy state agencies like VDOT has had to tighten its belt.
"We've seen some major cutbacks and drivers have seen that to. Things like rest areas closed, layoffs at our offices and some closing of some offices," said Caldwell
But VDOT'S tells CBS 6, one area where the department is not pinching pennies is its snow and ice removal operations. Nearly 80 million dollar has been budgeted for this year.
But we wanted to know will it be enough?
"If we have to spend more than that, we will do so. We'll find that money elsewhere in our maintenance budget. Emergency response is our number one priority. We're going to do everything it takes to keep the roads safe in the Commonwealth," said Caldwell.
And what about unexpected weather events like Tropical Storm IDA?
"With the significant flooding, not only here in the Richmond area but especially East of here, we have set aside money that we can use as a contingency for unexpected events."
And while Hurricane season nearly over, Winter season is just around the corner and VDOT says it's ready to tackle those roadways.
They says the goal is to have all roads passable within 48 hours after the storm ends. First, they start with the interstates.
Then, primary roads like Broad street that are heavily travelled. Followed by secondary and subdivision streets.
"And so, it's a whole lot easier for us if folks just be patient, give our snow plows some space to work and certainly slow down in respect to themselves, to snow plows and other drivers," said Caldwell
VDOT has $79.6 million budgeted from snow and ice removal operations this year, but is that enough to make sure roads are safe when winter weather hits Central Virginia?
We're ready to go, no matter what type of winter we have this year," said VDOT'S Chief Communications Director Jeff Caldwell.
And in this tough economy state agencies like VDOT has had to tighten its belt.
"We've seen some major cutbacks and drivers have seen that to. Things like rest areas closed, layoffs at our offices and some closing of some offices," said Caldwell
But VDOT'S tells CBS 6, one area where the department is not pinching pennies is its snow and ice removal operations. Nearly 80 million dollar has been budgeted for this year.
But we wanted to know will it be enough?
"If we have to spend more than that, we will do so. We'll find that money elsewhere in our maintenance budget. Emergency response is our number one priority. We're going to do everything it takes to keep the roads safe in the Commonwealth," said Caldwell.
And what about unexpected weather events like Tropical Storm IDA?
"With the significant flooding, not only here in the Richmond area but especially East of here, we have set aside money that we can use as a contingency for unexpected events."
And while Hurricane season nearly over, Winter season is just around the corner and VDOT says it's ready to tackle those roadways.
They says the goal is to have all roads passable within 48 hours after the storm ends. First, they start with the interstates.
Then, primary roads like Broad street that are heavily travelled. Followed by secondary and subdivision streets.
"And so, it's a whole lot easier for us if folks just be patient, give our snow plows some space to work and certainly slow down in respect to themselves, to snow plows and other drivers," said Caldwell
