The Virginia Department of Transportation will use a new technique this winter to clear snow- and ice-covered streets.

The agency will use a new mixture of anti-icing chemicals including salt brine, magnesium chloride and calcium chloride around the state this winter and, with success, will expand the program in future winter seasons.

State officials said they have a budget of $75.8 million to use for snow removal this year. They worked over the summer to prepare 3,200 crew members and nearly 4,000 pieces of snow removal equipment in advance of winter's arrival.

"VDOT prepares for emergencies year-round, and our winter weather preparations begin during the hot summer months so that we are ready whenever winter arrives," David Ekern, VDOT commissioner, said in a statement. "We are passionate about our emergency response mission, and VDOT crews and our private-sector partners practice techniques, test equipment and stock supplies so that we can keep Virginia's roadways as safe as possible."

If the weather gets really bad, agency officials said they also have more than 4,000 pieces of equipment, which will be operated by contractors, ready to go.

No matter where snow or ice hits, VDOT officials said they are ready with 234,000 tons of salt and 62,200 tons of sand on hand this year.

Ekern added that VDOT plans to have all publicly maintained roads cleared within 48 hours of the storm.

Crews begin by clearing interstates, primary roads and major secondary roads that connect localities, fire stations, employment hubs, military posts, schools, hospitals and other important public facilities. Secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated if multiday storms hit the commonwealth, but crews will focus efforts on those roads that carry the most traffic, Ekern said.