VDOT News - Hampton Roads

Virginia Department of Transportation crews continue to work around-the-clock to clear and treat roads following the winter storm that dropped multiple inches of snow throughout Hampton Roads. 

While progress has been made on roadways, sections of interstate and state-maintained primary roads are in moderate condition, with the potential for icy conditions as freezing temperatures persist. Motorists must delay or avoid travel through Saturday morning for their safety and to allow crews the space to work safely and efficiently to clear the roadways.

Crews across the region are continuing to clear snow and treat the roads with salt to break down ice and apply sand in critical spots to enhance traction for vehicles. Interstates, state-maintained primary roads and major secondary roads with vital emergency and public facilities, or those with high traffic volumes are being cleared first. State-maintained secondary and subdivision streets will be treated in the event of a multi-day storm, but crews will focus efforts on roads that are traveled most. Crews are also assisting with the removal of any downed trees, branches and debris that fall across the roads.

When snow or ice is on roadways, travel is hazardous and should be avoided. Any wet spots on the roadways should be considered ice. Motorists are reminded that bridges and overpasses freeze before roadways, and caution should be exercised if travel is absolutely necessary. 

Reminders:

• Stay home. Avoid all nonessential travel.
• Give crews time and space to treat roads, with extra caution in work zones.
• Do not pass or cut off snow plows. 
• If snow or ice is on the road, conditions are hazardous.
• Call 911 if you have an emergency.
• Visit www.511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions. Do not travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve. 
• For more information on winter weather travel, visit https://www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp. 

Resources:

• Free 511 Virginia Tools -- Get the latest traffic conditions before traveling by calling 511, or go to www.511virginia.org. You also can download Virginia’s free 511 mobile app at https://www.virginiadot.org/travel/511.asp#app. 

• 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) -- Report road hazards or ask road-related questions at VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling this statewide toll-free number.

• Twitter -- Follow us @VaDOTHR and @511hamptonroads for the latest traffic updates during a storm.

• WAZE – 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.

For more winter driving information, please visit virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

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.