Drivers are asked avoid any non-essential travel during storm;
VDOT crews have mobilized to plow roads and apply sand and salt in Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have mobilized in emergency response to plow snow and apply sand and salt to roads across the 14-county Fredericksburg District, with light snow starting to fall in some locations in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.
Crews will continue to work 24 hours a day, in 12-hour shifts, until all roads are passable and safe for travel. VDOT has around 1,200 trucks available for snow removal operations in the Fredericksburg District.
Motorists are advised to avoid any non-essential travel this afternoon and evening during the storm. Even with pre-treatment of Interstate 95 and primary roads in the Fredericksburg District, road surfaces may quickly become slick and hazardous. Heavy snowfall forecast to fall this afternoon may severely limit visibility at times, making it hard to see the road ahead.
Limiting travel is recommended for motorist safety. Postponing travel also provides space for VDOT crews to clear and treat roads, and for public safety officials to respond to emergencies.
If you must travel, plan to allow extra travel time, reduce your speed, wear your seat belt, and increase following distance between vehicles. Use additional caution while traveling on bridges, ramps and overpasses, which freeze first due to lower surface temperatures. Road conditions south and west of the Fredericksburg District may be more severe due to additional snow accumulation in these areas.
Drivers are encouraged to check 511Virginia before starting a trip for real-time information about road conditions in Virginia. Motorists can download the free mobile 511 app for Apple and Android devices to stay connected, visit www.511virginia.org, or reach 511Virginia by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.
VDOT Online Snow Plow Tracker
Once snow reaches two inches or more, VDOT activates an online snow plow tracking map. VDOT and contractor trucks are equipped with automatic vehicle location technology, and can be monitored on the tracker during snow removal operations.
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) or online at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov.
Follow VDOT on Twitter at @VaDOT and VDOT Fredericksburg District at @VaDOTFRED.
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