VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG – While snow has stopped and many road conditions are clear in the Fredericksburg, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula area, freezing rain and ice is in the forecast this weekend.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is urging drivers to avoid travel during freezing rain since it causes the most dangerous driving conditions. Freezing rain is more dangerous than snow since ice can form on the pavement.

Icy conditions are possible starting tonight since the pavement may still be wet in some areas and air temperatures are expected to drop below freezing before any precipitation begins to fall.

VDOT crews will remain on-duty overnight to patrol and monitor road conditions. Crews will apply treatment materials, such as sand and salt, as needed to icy patches or slick spots to improve motorist traction

“While we have largely cleared snow from area roads today, we are preparing for a serious ice storm this weekend that is expected to create hazardous driving conditions in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula,” said Robbie Prezioso, P.E., VDOT Fredericksburg District Maintenance Engineer.

“Starting early Saturday, roads may be covered with ice from freezing rain,” Prezioso said. “Even on treated road surfaces, highly slick pavement is possible. Ice may weigh down tree branches and limbs, causing downed trees, utility lines and other debris to fall into the road. Before starting a trip, we ask motorists to carefully follow news and weather sources, and to check 511virginia.org for road conditions. Motorists should not travel when ice is present on the road. The risk for icing will be especially high on elevated structures, such as bridges and overpasses, and on interstate ramps. Our crews will work throughout the storm to address icing, but we ask for the public's help by avoiding travel while these conditions are present.”

VDOT crews will continue to work around the clock through the weekend until all state maintained roads are safe for travel.

Additional VDOT Information Sources

• Find VDOT Fredericksburg District news releases online on VDOT’s website, www.VirginiaDOT.org, under “Newsroom.”
• Follow VDOT on Twitter @VaDOT and @VaDOTFRED
• Connect with us on Facebook on our VDOT page, and VDOT Fredericksburg District group page.

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).

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.

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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.