VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are fitting trucks with snowplows and loading treatment materials today ahead of a winter storm forecast to bring a mix of snow, freezing rain and ice to the Fredericksburg District.

Motorists should plan to avoid travel during the storm, which is anticipated to begin early Wednesday morning in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

Plan travel around the storm by arriving at your destination before snow begins to fall, or plan to delay travel until after the storm is over and road conditions improve. This storm has the potential to affect both the morning and afternoon rush hour travel periods on Wednesday.

While snow and freezing rain are forecast for the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, snowfall in the Fredericksburg area may be followed by freezing rain and ice.

During periods of freezing rain, black ice may be present. Ice may appear as a transparent glaze on the pavement and may be invisible to motorists.

In the Fredericksburg area, Interstate 95 and interstate ramps have been pre-treated with a salt brine solution. Crews are finishing pre-treatment of primary routes today across the 14-county district. Pre-treatment prevents ice from bonding to the pavement during inclement weather, which reduces the risk of hazardous travel conditions. However, even with advance treatment, road surfaces can still be slick during snowfall.

VDOT crews will mobilize Tuesday evening ahead of the onset of snow, and will remain mobilized 24 hours a day in 12-hour shifts until all roads are safe for travel. More than 530 trucks are available to plow snow and apply a mix of sand and salt to reduce icing and improve vehicle traction on slippery surfaces.

VDOT is coordinating with tree removal contractors to have staff available to quickly reopen roads that may be blocked by downed trees and tree limbs during the storm.

Drivers are asked to closely monitor news and weather conditions and check 511Virginia for real-time road conditions before starting a trip. Motorists are advised that road conditions may be more severe north and west of the Fredericksburg District due to heavier snow accumulation.

Online Snowplow Tracker

VDOT’s online snowplow tracker at vdotplows.org will be activated in Fredericksburg District when 2 inches of snow has accumulated.

Residents can enter their address to see the status of snow plowing in their neighborhood.

511Virginia

Motorists can download the free mobile 511 app for Apple and Android devices to stay connected, or reach 511Virginia by visiting www.511virginia.org or calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.

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) and online at https://my.vdot.virginia.gov.

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.

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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.