Posted November 24, 2025

~Training and practice dry run simulation helps the 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.  Dry runs are a critical part of the city’s winter preparedness plan. They allow city crews to familiarize themselves with their routes, test equipment, identify any operational issues, and ensure that plow operators can safely navigate challenging areas before the first major snowfall. By conducting these practice runs in advance, the department can address mechanical needs, adjust staffing plans, and confirm that all equipment is ready for deployment when winter weather arrives.

To support winter operations, the city currently has 5,000 tons of salt and 2,000 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 rva.gov/public-works or email us at [email protected]

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 225 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 issues permits for working in the city’s right-of-way; manages Main Street Station, the RVA Bike Share program. 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