Stay Off the Roads During the Storm, Says VDOT

Release, Virginia Department of Transportation:

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has staged equipment and materials across the 14-county Fredericksburg District to respond to tonight’s forecast of ice and freezing rain, and snowfall tomorrow morning. 

More than 800 pieces of equipment are ready to deploy in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula to plow roads and apply sand and salt. Approximately 70 trucks are dedicated to clearing Interstate 95’s travel lanes and ramps.

VDOT crews will mobilize at midnight in the Fredericksburg area, and as early as 4 a.m. in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

Icy road conditions are expected overnight as freezing rain falls across the Fredericksburg District, followed by snow throughout most of the day Monday. Snow accumulation of 6-10 inches has been forecast for the Fredericksburg area, with accumulation of 3-7 inches in the eastern portions of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

Motorists are advised to stay off the roads tonight and tomorrow during the storm. While VDOT crews will be out in force to plow and treat roads, hazardous road conditions may develop.

VDOT crews will work 24 hours a day, in 12-hour shifts, until all state-maintained roads are safe for travel.

VDOT’s goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours of a storm’s end.

Check 511Virginia for real-time road conditions by calling 511 or going to 511virginia.org. 

VDOT’s Customer Service Center is open 24 hours a day to answer questions and take reports of roadway hazards at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623). 

Tree removal contractors are on standby to assist VDOT with the removal of downed trees, limbs and debris. VDOT will coordinate with utility companies regarding any downed power lines that may fall across roadways.

With the potential for power outages, traffic signals could be down. If motorists encounter a traffic signal without power, it should be treated as a four-way stop.

Road Clearing Priorities

Crews will focus first on clearing roads that carry the most traffic.

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, followed by secondary roads and subdivision streets.  

Click Here to learn more about VDOT’s winter weather preparedness.