VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Rain is anticipated to change to snow this afternoon across the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula as temperatures plummet below freezing.

Road conditions are currently clear. However, travelers are advised that road conditions this afternoon may quickly become slick and hazardous once snow begins to fall.

Motorists are encouraged to delay unnecessary travel this afternoon and evening while snow is falling, and postpone a trip until road conditions improve. Before starting a trip, visit 511Virginia to check the latest statewide road conditions.

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have replenished sand and salt supplies ahead of today's snowfall. Crews are mobilized in emergency response with more than 650 pieces of equipment districtwide ready to deploy.

Once precipitation begins, crews will apply sand and salt to roads to reduce icing and improve traction for motorists. Snowplows will remove accumulating snow and slush as needed to keep travel lanes clear.

Plowing and treating Interstate 95, primary roads and high-volume secondary routes are leading priorities for crews while snow is falling. Crews focus first on roads that carry the most traffic, and routes that connect with public safety facilities. Repeated passes by trucks may be required to keep travel lanes open and treated during the storm. Once road conditions improve on these roads, crews can then make progress plowing and treating lower-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets.

Overnight, with temperatures expected to remain below freezing across the district, any moisture on the road could freeze. VDOT crews will circulate overnight to treat for icing as needed, and will focus on areas most likely to freeze, such as ramps, bridges and overpasses.

Preparing for Second Winter Storm Friday

Area residents and travelers are advised that a separate, second winter storm is expected to bring more accumulating snow on Friday to the Fredericksburg District, especially in coastal areas of the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

Additional resources will be mobilized as needed to respond to this upcoming storm. Motorists are encouraged to closely monitor news and weather sources, and plan now to avoid travel during the storm.

Crews will work 24 hours a day, in 12-hour shifts, through both winter weather events until all state-maintained roads are safe for travel.

Key Reminders

• Stay home during inclement weather. Avoid nonessential travel.
• If snow or ice is on the road, conditions are hazardous.
• If travel is unavoidable:
• Plan to reach your destination before inclement weather begins
• Review forecasts along your entire route and plan your travel around the weather
• Review and be familiar with alternative routes to your destination
• Ensure headlights are on and speed aligns with conditions
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly
• Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement; do not pump anti-lock brakes
• Allow crews time and room to treat roads and do not pass snowplows
• Keep an emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle including food, water, first aid materials, tools and blankets in the event of a breakdown or stoppage

Ferry Service

Service has been suspended on the Merry Point Ferry in Lancaster County and the Sunnybank Ferry in Northumberland County through Monday, Jan. 24. Ferry service will be evaluated on Monday morning based on weather conditions.

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).

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.