VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – As snow tapers off across the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, crews are plowing roads along the eastern edge of the district, which received several inches of snow.

In the Fredericksburg area, I-95 and primary roads are in clear to minor condition, with wet pavement and isolated patches of snow. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews continue to patrol roads to apply sand and salt to reduce the risk of icing, and add traction for motorists.

An estimated 4-5 inches of snow fell overnight along the eastern edge of the Middle Peninsula in Gloucester, Mathews, and Middlesex counties. Several inches of snow fell in Northumberland and Lancaster counties on the Northern Neck. Road conditions are moderate in these areas, with travel lanes partially covered by snow.

Road conditions are minor in Essex, King and Queen and King William counties, and in Westmoreland and Richmond counties, which received less snow accumulation.

Wind will remain a travel hazard today, with the potential for downed trees, debris and utility lines. Major river crossings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula may be posted with high wind advisories.

Icy patches are possible even on treated roads clear of snow. Temperatures are expected to remain below-freezing Saturday, which may cause any wet pavement to refreeze. VDOT crews will remain mobilized in emergency response Saturday to continue plowing roads, and to patrol for any icing.

High Winds Protocol for Major Bridges

VDOT will be monitoring wind speeds on major river crossings in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula today, including:

• Norris Bridge, which carries Route 3 over the Rappahannock River between Lancaster and Middlesex counties
• Downing Bridge, which carries Route 360 over the Rappahannock River between Richmond County and the Town of Tappahannock
• Route 223 bridge over Milford Haven, which connects mainland Mathews County with Gwynn's Island
• Eltham Bridge, which carries Route 30/Route 33 traffic over the Pamunkey River and connects the Town of West Point and New Kent County
• Lord Delaware Bridge, which carries Route 33 over the Mattaponi River and connects the Town of West Point and King and Queen County

If sustained winds reach 30 mph over a period of 30 minutes, or there are frequent wind gusts of 45 mph or greater, VDOT will post a high wind advisory notice on these bridges.

High-profile vehicles such as tractor-trailers, box trucks, and large vans and SUVs are advised to not cross the bridge when an advisory is posted. Trucks carrying small or empty loads may be especially at risk.

When sustained winds reach 45 mph or above over a period of 15 minutes, VDOT crews will post a bridge closure notice. However, bridges will not be physically barricaded.

Notices will be posted on message boards staged at the bridges, and communicated through VDOT news releases, VDOT social media platforms, and on 511Virginia.

The Route 223 bridge to Gwynn's Island in Mathews is currently closed to marine traffic openings for emergency mechanical repair.

Additional Winter Storm Information

• Give VDOT crews space to work. Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind snow plows and equipment treating the road. Do not pass a snowplow or spreader.
• Shoveling a driveway? Remember to shovel to the right while facing the street. This will reduce the amount of double work that may be required after a snowplow makes a pass along your street. Watch a VDOT video explaining how to avoid having snow pushed back into the end of your driveway.

Ferry Service

Service on the Merry Point Ferry in Lancaster County and the Sunnybank Ferry in Northumberland County is suspended today, on Saturday, Jan. 29.

511Virginia

Call 511, visit www.511Virginia.org, or use VDOT’s 511Virginia free mobile app to find real-time road conditions in any area of the state.

VDOT’s Customer Service Center

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 (367-7623).

VDOT Online Snow Plow Tracker

VDOT’s online snow plow tracking map will be activated once 2 inches of snow or more has accumulated.

VDOT and contractor trucks are equipped with automatic vehicle location technology, and can be monitored on the tracker during snow removal operations.

Additional Information

Follow VDOT on Twitter @VaDOT and @VaDOTFRED
Connect with us on Facebook on our VDOT page, and VDOT Fredericksburg District group page.
Find VDOT Fredericksburg District news releases online on VDOT’s website, www.VirginiaDOT.org, under “Newsroom.”

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VDOT’s 14-county Fredericksburg District includes the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford in the Fredericksburg area; Northumberland, Richmond, Lancaster and Westmoreland counties in the Northern Neck; Essex, Gloucester, King & Queen, King William, Mathews and Middlesex counties in the Middle Peninsula.

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.