VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is warning drivers to delay any non-essential travel this morning, Dec. 17, until icy road conditions improve, especially with the potential of black ice on many secondary roadways in the Fredericksburg area. 

Wet pavement from yesterday’s heavy rain likely turned into black ice overnight, especially on roads carrying less traffic, on hills, curves, turn lanes and in median crossovers. Even on bare pavement, black ice may be present. Black ice is nearly invisible to motorists. 

While Interstate 95 is clear, crews continue to apply sand and salt this morning on primary and secondary roads in the Fredericksburg area to add traction for travelers. 

However, even on treated travel surfaces, drivers are advised that slick conditions may still exist until temperatures rise above freezing. 

VDOT crews will remain mobilized in emergency response and continue to circulate to address icing and any hazardous road conditions. Crews will stay mobilized, working 24 hours a day, in 12-hour shifts, until all state-maintained roads are safe for travel. 

Icing may also lead to downed trees and debris in the road. To report a road hazard, contact VDOT’s Customer Service Center 24 hours a day at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or online at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov. 

What Motorists Should Know

• Plan to delay unnecessary travel until temperatures rise above freezing
• Residents are encouraged to consider that if their driveway or sidewalk is too icy or slick for walking, road conditions may also be slippery
• Check 511Virginia.org for real-time road conditions before starting a trip
• If you must travel, plan to allow extra time for your trip, slow down, and increase following distance between vehicles
• Use additional caution while traveling on bridges, ramps and overpasses, which freeze first due to lower surface temperatures, as well as on roads carrying lighter traffic volumes 

Stay Updated 

Follow the VDOT Fredericksburg District on social media:

• Twitter at @VaDOTFRED
• VDOT Fredericksburg District Facebook Group
• NextDoor

511Virginia

Motorists can find real-time information on road conditions, work zones, traffic and other incidents on 511Virginia.

Download the free mobile 511Virginia app for Apple and Android devices to stay connected, or motorists can also reach 511Virginia by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

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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.