VDOT begins tree debris cleanup in region

The Virginia Department of Transportation Richmond District Friday began what it is calling a long-term tree debris cleanup effort, following the ice storms earlier this month that caused significant tree damage in the region.

Immediately following the Feb. 13 storm, crews moved tree debris to the roadsides and coordinated with utility companies to remove power lines so that travel lanes could reopen as quickly as possible. Now, Richmond District officials are working through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to remove tree debris from the roadsides under one of their existing statewide contracts.

Crews will begin the cleanup effort in the counties most affected by fallen trees – specifically counties south of Dinwiddie. From there, crews will address all routes in the Richmond District’s 14 counties, including Henrico, until all roadside tree debris has been removed. The cleanup process is expected to last 60 to 90 days.

“Our goal is to make one clean sweep through each road that has documented tree debris,” said Richmond District Maintenance Engineer Sean Nelson. “Our teams have made a comprehensive list of areas where roadside tree debris is located, but it’s important to remember that thousands of trees fell during this weather event. We appreciate drivers’ patience during cleanup, and understanding that we are aware of and addressing all tree debris on the roadsides within our rights-of-way.”

Crews have documented the amounts and locations of all roadside tree debris in the district.

Henrico maintains its own secondary roads (any roads without a state route number), but VDOT maintains the others.