VDOT News - Culpeper

CULPEPER — Tuesday’s rain and snow, followed by plunging temperatures overnight, left some roads across Central Virginia icy for morning travelers. Motorists heading out early Wednesday morning should anticipate encountering icy patches on many roads that are otherwise clear of snow.

In the Charlottesville region roads are reported clear but any moisture on the roads has frozen, creating black ice. That icing is particularly likely on rural roads and in areas where Tuesday’s rain did not evaporate from the road.

To the north, primary highways in Culpeper, Fauquier and Rappahannock counties are reported in minor condition with icy patches on the road surface. In Culpeper, Rappahannock and Madison counties the secondary roads are also in minor condition, while those routes in Fauquier County are in moderate condition with significant ice and snow on many roads.

VDOT crews patrolled roads overnight and spread a mix of sand and salt on areas with icing conditions to improve traction and help melt the ice. Crews will continue to monitor conditions today and treat roads as needed.

Motorists should be aware that freezing conditions will continue throughout the day Wednesday and subfreezing temperatures are likely to continue until Friday. In addition to driving for conditions by reducing speed and increasing following distance, motorists should also ensure their vehicles are ready for travel in extremely cold conditions. Keep a winter travel kit in your vehicle, including: a flashlight and extra batteries, ice scraper, cell phone and charger, jumper cables, blankets or quilts, a first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable food  such as nuts or energy bars, abrasive material for traction and a shovel.

Those who must travel are encouraged to check road conditions using VDOT’s free 511 tools. Additional information about winter-weather preparations and response can be found at www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp. Local updates are posted to Twitter.com/VaDOTCulp and on the district’s snow information webpage.

VDOT’s Culpeper District includes the counties of Albemarle, Culpeper, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Orange and Rappahannock.

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