VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Sleet has begun falling in the Fredericksburg area as the initial start to an anticipated winter storm, and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are mobilized and in position to quickly begin treating roads and plowing snow as it accumulates.

Road conditions are currently clear, but as sleet transitions to snow, road surfaces across the 14-county Fredericksburg District will quickly become hazardous for travel this morning. A winter storm with accumulating snow is forecast to affect the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula starting this morning.

Residents and travelers are urged to avoid any unnecessary travel until the end of the storm. Check 511Virginia for road conditions before starting a trip.

Snow is anticipated to fall at rates of 1-2 inches an hour at times, severely limiting motorist visibility of the road ahead. Gusting winds may also lead to downed trees, utility lines, blowing snow, and other hazards in the road.

While snow is falling, VDOT crews will focus first on treating and plowing roads carrying the most traffic, including interstates and primary roads, and roads leading to vital public health and safety facilities. Crews may need to make repeated passes on these routes to keep them clear for essential travel while the storm is underway and snow continues to fall.

VDOT crews will remain on duty 24 hours a day, in 12-hour shifts, until all roads are passable and safe for travel. VDOT has around 1,300 pieces of equipment available to respond across the 14-county Fredericksburg District as needed. Additional contractors are prepared to assist VDOT with tree and debris removal as required.

Ferry Service

The Sunnybank Ferry in Northumberland County will not operate today. The Merry Point Ferry in Lancaster County does not operate on Mondays.

511Virginia

Motorists are advised to check 511Virginia for real-time road conditions along their route, as conditions may vary significantly between regions of the state.

Call 511, visit 511virginia.org, or download the free mobile 511Virginia app.

VDOT Customer Service Center

If motorists encounter debris or another hazard in the road, do not attempt to remove it.

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) or online at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov.

Social Media

Follow VDOT on Twitter at @VaDOT and VDOT Fredericksburg District at @VaDOTFRED.

On Facebook, visit VDOT’s statewide page or join the VDOT Fredericksburg District group.

Additional Resources

For more information, visit VDOT's Winter Weather Travel 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.