VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is warning drivers to delay any unnecessary travel during inclement weather this weekend, with light snow forecast to begin in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula early Sunday, Feb. 13.

Snow may continue falling during the day Sunday, as temperatures remain below freezing. Before starting a trip, motorists should monitor news and weather sources, and check 511virginia.org for real-time road conditions along their route. Once snowfall begins, roads may quickly become slick and hazardous for travel.

Earlier today, crews pre-treated Interstate 95 as well as other major routes in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Road pre-treatment will continue Saturday, Feb. 12, to complete advance work on primary routes.

VDOT Fredericksburg District will mobilize crews in emergency response Saturday evening ahead of the onset of inclement weather. Crews will monitor for hazardous road conditions, plow snow, and apply treatment materials as needed.

Crews will begin plowing once 2 inches of snow has accumulated on the road surface. Workers will also apply salt to reduce icing and sand to improve traction.

VDOT advises motorists to plan their weekend travel to avoid unnecessary trips during the storm to allow crews to safely remove snow and treat the roads.

State forces will first focus their efforts on clearing roads that carry the most traffic. I-95, primary roads and high-volume secondary roads that connect with critical public safety and emergency services are leading priorities for snow removal. Once conditions improve on priority routes, crews move to lower-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets.

Pre-treatment helps to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement during winter weather. This can reduce the risk of hazardous travel conditions and assists crews with snow and ice removal. However, even with pre-treatment, roads may quickly become slippery and snow-covered once precipitation begins. Travel is hazardous whenever ice and snow are present on the road surface.

What Motorists Should Know

• Plan to delay unnecessary travel during and immediately after snowfall
• If you must travel, plan to allow extra time for your trip, slow down, and increase following distance between vehicles
• Use additional caution while traveling on bridges, ramps and overpasses, which freeze first
• Residents are encouraged to consider that if their driveway or sidewalk is too icy or slick for walking, road conditions may also be slippery

511Virginia

Motorists can find real-time information on lane closures, work zones, traffic and other incidents on 511Virginia.

Download the free mobile 511Virginia app for Apple and Android devices to stay connected, or visit www.511Virginia.org. Motorists also can reach 511Virginia by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

VDOT 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).

Stay Updated

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

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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.