VDOT News - Statewide

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Department of Transportation crews continue to fight winter weather impacting many areas statewide. The commonwealth has experienced numerous weather impacts with some regions receiving high rates of snowfall. High winds are also making travel dangerous in affected areas.

The weather is causing a range of travel impacts across the state. High winds create hazardous driving conditions, especially for taller vehicles. Winds can be particularly impactful on mountain inclines, wide-open highway segments and high rise bridges. Sub-freezing temperatures are expected tonight, which will make standing water on travel lanes susceptible to refreeze. Bridges and overpasses typically freeze first. Travelers should monitor forecasts along their entire route, as forecasts may vary in different parts of the state.

Motorists must remain vigilant and alert while traveling overnight and in the morning, and should adapt speeds to road conditions.

VDOT crews are conducting treatment operations in impacted regions, including plowing in areas where at least 2 inches of snow has accumulated on pavement, and spreading sand and salt on icy patches or slick spots as needed to improve traction. Crews will continue to monitor roads until conditions improve.

Remember:

• When visibility is poor; driving is hazardous.
• There is no safe way to drive in icy conditions.
• If you must travel:
  • Review and be familiar with alternative routes to destination
  • Clear snow and ice from your vehicle before driving
  • Slow down and allow plenty of time to reach your destination
  • Avoid passing snowplows and other heavy equipment or following too closely to allow VDOT crews room to work
• Keep an emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle which includes food, water, first aid materials, tools and blankets in the event of a breakdown or stoppage.
• Call 911 if you have an emergency.
• Visit org for the latest road conditions before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.

For more information on winter weather travel, visit virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

To report hazardous road conditions or talk to a customer service representative, call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or visit online at my.vdot.virginia.gov. VDOT 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. Traffic information is also available on Twitter @511statewideVA; for general VDOT information, follow @VaDOT.

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.