Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have nearly 900 pieces of equipment ready to deploy in the 14-county Fredericksburg District as soon as snow begins to fall this afternoon.
Yesterday, VDOT crews pre-treated main roads with salt brine to prevent ice and snow from bonding with the pavement. Crews treated Interstate 95, primary roads, and key secondary roads throughout the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula.
With an estimated 8 to 11 inches of snow forecast to fall in the Fredericksburg District, motorists are encouraged to monitor road conditions and weather forecasts. Road conditions may quickly become hazardous once snow begins to fall.
Call 511, visit www.511Virginia.org, or download VDOT’s 511Virginia free mobile app to find real-time road conditions in any area of the state.
VDOT crews are working 24 hours a day, in 12-hour shifts, until all roads are clear.
Salt, sand, and chemicals will be applied to roads to assist with ice melt and to provide traction. However, motorists are advised that chemicals are less effective at melting ice when temperatures are below 20 degrees.
What motorists should expect:
· VDOT crews clear roads carrying the most traffic first, such as interstates, primary roads (routes numbered 600 or below), and high-volume secondary roads.
· VDOT has 86 pieces of equipment dedicated to clearing I-95 in Caroline, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties.
· Once main roads are clear, crews can clear an initial path on subdivision streets.
· VDOT’s goal is to have all roads passable within 48 hours of a storm’s end.
How you can help:
· Stay off the roads during the storm to let crews clear a path for vehicles.
· If possible, park vehicles in driveways and remove obstructions from the street.
· Shovel snow from your driveway to the right as you face the street. This will minimize the snow pushed into your driveway by plows clearing the road. Consider waiting to shovel the last several feet closest to the street until after plows have passed.
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 (800-367-7623).