VDOT News - Fredericksburg
RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Darragh Frye 540-899-4119 [email protected] |
FRED-137675 Jan. 12, 2019 |
FREDERICKSBURG DISTRICT: DRIVERS URGED TO LIMIT TRAVEL WITH SNOW
Heavier snow is now falling and is expected to continue overnight into Sunday
FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is urging drivers to limit any unnecessary travel with heavier snow now falling in the Fredericksburg District with anticipation of the precipitation to continue into Sunday morning.
VDOT advises motorists to avoid or reduce travel, if possible, to allow crews to safely remove snow, treat the roads and provide emergency workers room to respond. It also minimizes the risk of crashes and disabled vehicles. Overnight travel is expected to be treacherous with heavy snow, sleet and below freezing temperatures.
If you must travel, check road conditions by going to 511Virginia before starting a trip for real-time information. Also, remember to move over and slow down for stopped vehicles with flashing, blinking or alternating blue, red or amber lights.
VDOT crews are in emergency operations and will work around the clock to clear and treat until all roads are passable and safe for travel.
Crews have approximately 750 pieces of equipment in the Fredericksburg District to plow snow and apply sand and salt. They will only begin plowing once 2 inches of snow has accumulated on the road surface. Crews will also apply sand to improve traction and salt to reduce icing.
State forces will first focus their efforts on clearing roads that carry the most traffic. Interstate 95, primary roads or high-volume secondary roads that connect with critical public safety and emergency services, are leading priorities for snow removal. Once conditions improve on priority routes, crews will move to lower-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets.
Online Snowplow Tracker
VDOT’s online snowplow tracker at vdotplows.org will be activated once 2 inches of snow has accumulated in Fredericksburg District.
Residents can enter their address to see the status of snow plowing in their neighborhood.
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).
Additional VDOT Information Sources
- Find VDOT Fredericksburg District news releases online on VDOT’s website, 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.
(END)
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
Tweet
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.