Winter Driving
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Snow Removal and Ice Control
It is the intention of the West Virginia Division of Highways to control snow and ice conditions on all state maintained roadways, so traffic may continue to move as safely as possible with a minimum amount of inconvenience.
WVDOH employees are dedicated to the task of keeping more than 35,000 miles of roadway in safe condition during snow and ice events
An average budget of $55 million is dedicated to the WVDOH Snow Removal and Ice Control season, which typically runs November through March.
Routes and Priorites
| Priority Level | Route Description and Maintenance Goal |
|---|---|
| First Priority | Major Thoroughfares: Roads of major importance and high traffic volume, including all Interstates, Expressways, and major routes connecting urban areas. These are plowed and treated first and receive ongoing maintenance throughout winter events. |
| Second Priority | Secondary Connections: Routes of slightly less traffic volume, primarily consisting of school bus routes not included in the First Priority. These are addressed as conditions permit once major routes are passable. |
| Third Priority | Local Roads: Lower traffic volume roads that receive attention only after all Second Priority routes have been cleared and treated. |
| Fourth Priority | Park and Forest Roads: As of the 2025-2026 season, WVDOH has formally integrated a fourth priority level specifically for park and forest routes, addressed after all higher-priority systems are secure. |
Note: During active snowfall, crews may be required to return to First Priority routes to ensure they remain open for emergency services and major commerce, which may delay the clearing of secondary and local roads.
Driving Tips
Prepare Your Vehicle
- Check tire tread and tire pressure
- Check your battery
- Fill up on windshield washer fluid
- Make sure your windshield wipers are in good condition
Staying Safe on the Roads
- Clear snow & ice from all windows and lights
- Buckle up, it's the law!
- Just drive. Avoid distractions behind the wheel
- Slow down! It takes longer to stop, accelerate, and turn on snow covered roads
- Leave extra space between your vehicle and other vehicles around you
- Do not use cruise control
- Don't crowd the plow. Keep back at least 100 feet
Have a Roadside Safety Kit on Hand
- Ice scraper
- Jumper cables
- Tow rope
- Flashlight & batteries
- Reflective warning triangle & safety vest
- Gloves, winter hat, & other warm clothing
- Blanket
- Hand warmers
- First aid kit
- Water & snacks
- Sand or kitty litter for traction, in case you get stuck in snow
- Shovel
Know Before You Go!
Check road conditions before you head out...
- Dial 5-1-1 from a landline or cellphone
- Log onto wv511 for traffic information, road conditions, and weather information
Snow Removal Products
The WVDOH uses a variety of products to treat roadways before and during winter weather events.
Sodium Chloride
Commonly referred to as road salt, sodium chloride is typically mixed with rock, cinders, or sand and used to melt existing snow and ice on paved surfaces. Salt cannot be used on surface treated, gravel, or dirt roads. Salt works best in temperatures above 20 degrees.
Calcium Chloride
This liquid de-icer is used in extreme conditions and in lower temperatures to melt ice and snow.
Brine
Salt and water are mixed to form brine, a solution used as an anti-icing agent. Brine is sprayed on pavements before snow falls to prevent snow and ice bonding to the roadway.
Videos
- WV511: How to check road conditions
- Winter Driving Tips
- Winter Weather Tip: Shoveling Your Driveway
- Winter Safety: Advice from a Plow Driver
- WVDOH Drivers Take Safety Seriously
- Snow Removal & Ice Control Policies
- Winter Ready: Snow Removal and Ice Control Policies
