VDOT News - Statewide

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Department of Transportation crews continue to treat roads for icy spots after Sunday’s storm that brought snow, freezing rain and sleet to the Commonwealth. Motorists must prepare for ice and refreeze as temperatures remain low, which will impact overnight travel and Tuesday morning commutes. Travel conditions may be hazardous.

Refreeze is expected to impact areas statewide, particularly in western Virginia, where light precipitation is also expected this evening. Drivers are reminded that areas where wind circulates more freely, such as bridges and overpasses typically freeze first. Standing water on travel lanes will also be susceptible to refreeze; anything that looks wet should be treated as if it could be ice. Motorists must remain vigilant and alert while traveling overnight and in the morning, and should adapt speeds to road conditions.

Crews will treat slick spots with salt to melt ice and sand to provide traction for drivers, and will address icy patches. Crews also continue to address fallen trees and debris on the roads.

Key reminders:

• Allow crews time and room to treat roads and do not pass snowplows.
• Clear any snow and ice from your vehicle before driving.
• Ensure headlights are on and speeds align with 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.
• Keep an emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle that includes abrasive material like sand for traction.
• Visit 511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.

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 vdot.virginia.gov.
• VDOT recently 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.
• Road condition definitions:
  • Closed – road is closed to all traffic.
  • Severe – drifting or partially blocked road.
  • Moderate – snow or ice on major portions of the roadway.
  • Minor – bare pavement except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush. Drive with caution.

(END)

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.