VDOT News - Statewide

RICHMOND, Va. – Icy precipitation is falling across much of the Commonwealth, creating hazardous travel conditions. Virginia Department of Transportation crews are working to treat and clear roads. However, freezing rain, sleet and cold pavement temperatures are expected to continue through Saturday evening, and travel conditions will remain hazardous in many areas. Motorists should monitor forecasts and conditions and delay travel until conditions improve.  

There is no safe way to travel during icy conditions: when ice is present, travel is hazardous. Watch local forecasts and check 511virginia.org for the latest traffic conditions in your area.  

A difference in just a few degrees of air or ground temperatures will determine if ice or snow accumulates on roadways. Road conditions could change rapidly and impacts will vary as precipitation moves through Virginia. Less traveled roads, shady spots, ramps and bridges are likely to freeze first. 

Storm Tips:

• Stay home until precipitation stops and conditions improve.
• Give crews time to treat roads.
• If you must travel during adverse weather conditions:
• SLOW DOWN
• Do not pass snow plows
• 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
• Visit 511virginia.org for the latest road conditions in your area. 

For more information on winter weather travel, visit virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp. 

Resources:

• To report hazardous road conditions or talk to a customer service representative, call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or visit online at my.vdot.virginia.gov.
• VDOT has partnered with Waze to add a new feature to the navigation software app that allows users to report, in real-time during winter weather, when a road has not been plowed. It will also inform travelers when they are approaching a road that has been identified by other drivers as unplowed. 
• Traffic information is also available on Twitter @511statewideVA; for general VDOT information, follow @VaDOT.

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