VDOT News - Hampton Roads
| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE VDOT Hampton Roads Communications 757-956-3032 hamptonroadspublicinfo@vdot.virginia.gov |
HRO-189699 Jan. 3, 2022 |
VDOT HAMPTON ROADS REMAINS VIGILANT WITH POTENTIAL TRAVEL IMPACTS TO BEGIN THIS AFTERNOON
Motorists urged to delay or avoid travel when possible
As the first winter weather event of the new year moves into the Commonwealth today, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District is urging motorists to use caution and avoid travel, if possible, as crews respond to the effects of the storm.
With the timing of today’s inclement weather, travel impacts such as snow, falling pavement temperatures, high winds and flooding could affect motorists during their commutes – this afternoon and through tomorrow morning. If possible, motorists should plan their travel around the inclement weather, helping to keep drivers safe and allowing VDOT crews to do their jobs.
While the initial pavement temperatures helped melt snowfall early on in the day, expected heavy snow rates may lead to slushy conditions as the storm moves out through the east. Pavement temperatures will continue to drop throughout the evening and could impact rush hour travel. Cold temperatures after precipitation can lead to icy, hazardous roadways. Due to the potential for icy travel conditions, VDOT urges motorists to monitor the local forecasts and changing road conditions.
VDOT will continue to monitor road surfaces as temperatures fall throughout the afternoon and night. Crews will treat the roads as necessary for the duration of the event, including treating the district’s interstates with salt to help dry out any potentially hazardous icy conditions.
Earlier today, VDOT crews loaded equipment with plows and spreaders and mobilized as of 6 a.m. ahead of the forecasted changeover from rain to snow. Since the precipitation began as rain, crews were unable to pretreat roads ahead of the snow, as the anti-icing materials would be less effective or wash away.
With 24-hour operations underway, crews will be working in shifts to clear and treat the interstate and state-maintained roadways as needed following the beginning of snowfall. With the risk of high winds, crews are on standby to assist with downed trees, limbs, and debris.
If travel is necessary:
- Give crews time to treat roads.
- If you must travel during adverse weather conditions:
- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination
- Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you
- Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement
- Do not pass snow plows
- Visit www.511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.
Resources:
- Free 511 Virginia Tools -- Get the latest traffic conditions before traveling by calling 511, or go to www.511virginia.org. You also can download Virginia’s free 511 mobile app at https://www.virginiadot.org/travel/511.asp#app.
- 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) -- Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling this statewide toll-free number.
- Twitter -- Follow us @VaDOTHR and @511hamptonroads for the latest traffic updates during a storm.
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Page last modified: June 26, 2023