Travelers this morning should use extreme caution when driving as any moisture remaining on the road surface was expected to refreeze, creating a risk for icy patches.
VDOT’s Kelly Hannon says crews circulated overnight in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula to check state-maintained roads for hazardous conditions, and continue to patrol roads this morning to monitor for icing. Crews are treating roads, bridges, ramps and overpasses as needed to improve motorist traction.
Hannon says more than 80 trucks are circulating on Interstate 95 this morning in the Fredericksburg area to treat for potential icing, and more than 250 additional trucks are circulating on primary and secondary roads. Secondary roads in Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford counties are in minor condition, which indicates that while roads have been largely cleared from snow, isolated patches of remaining snow or ice are possible. Once temperatures rise this morning, crews in the Fredericksburg area will finish any additional passes required on secondary roads to complete cleanup from Monday and Tuesday’s snowfall.
Hannon says icy conditions may be more likely on roads carrying lighter traffic, on hills and curves, in shaded areas, and on elevated structures such as bridges, ramps, and overpasses, which freeze first.
She says travelers should allow extra travel time to avoid being rushed. Reduce speed. Add following distance between your vehicle and vehicles and trucks in front of you to add reaction time.
Additional Driving Tips:
- Clear the snow and ice from your vehicle’s roof, hood and trunk and especially from the windows, mirrors and lights
- Always wear your seat belt
- Start out slowly in the lowest gear recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer
- Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are treating the road
- Don’t pass a spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.
511Virginia
Road conditions may vary between regions. Check 511Virginia before starting a trip to see road conditions along your entire route.
Download the free mobile 511Virginia app for Apple and Android devices to stay connected or visit 511Virginia.org. Motorists also can reach 511Virginia by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.
Customer Service Center
For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).
