From VDOT:
Sleet is falling in the Fredericksburg area this morning, and road conditions are starting to deteriorate as a winter storm moves into the region.
Interstate 95, primary and secondary roads in the Fredericksburg area are in minor condition, with light snow coverage and sleet. Sleet is heavy at times, and is blowing across the road. Currently, roads are clear in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, but motorists should anticipate conditions will change quickly once the wintry mix reaches these regions.
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are treating state-maintained roads where the storm has begun, while others are in position to start applying sand and salt and plowing as hazardous driving conditions develop. Tree removal crews are positioned across the district to assist with debris removal. Tow trucks are on standby to quickly clear incidents along I-95. Additional VDOT Safety Service Patrols are available to respond to emergencies.
Road conditions are expected to worsen throughout the day, with a mix of potential snow, sleet, freezing rain and ice forecast to continue through late Thursday.
Icing may occur with this storm, and may lead to downed trees and utility lines in the road, especially with wet, saturated soil across the district from storms over the past week.
Motorists are urged to avoid travel until after the storm has passed. Travel is hazardous when ice and snow are covering the road.
On Wednesday, VDOT crews finished pre-treatment operations on I-95 and primary roads in the district, which can help to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement at the onset of the storm.
VDOT crews will remain mobilized until all state-maintained roads are safe for travel, and will continue to treat and plow roads around the clock in rotating shifts.
What Motorists Should Know
- Avoid travel during the storm: When roads are covered in ice and snow, travel is hazardous. Downed trees or utility lines may be in the road. Visibility may be limited.
- Check road conditions or view traffic cameras: Call 511, visit 511virginia.org or download the free mobile 511Virginia app to see real-time road conditions around the state, and view traffic cameras.
- If motorists encounter debris or another hazard in the road, do not attempt to move it. 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) or online athttps://my.vdot.virginia.gov.
Social Media
Follow VDOT on Twitter at @VaDOT and VDOT Fredericksburg District at @VaDOTFRED.
On Facebook, visit VDOT’s statewide page or join the VDOT Fredericksburg District group.
