VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – With temperatures below freezing this morning, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are circulating in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula this morning to treat roads for potential icing, as any wet pavement following yesterday's storm may have frozen.

Crews are focusing extra attention on elevated structures, such as bridges, ramps and overpasses, which often freeze first due to lower surface temperatures, and on locations that may be more likely to freeze, such as on hills, curves, and portions of the roads that are shaded.

Salt is being applied to roads to reduce icing, and sand is spread to provide motorists with additional traction. But even with treatment, roads may still be slick and hazardous.

Drivers are encouraged to consider postponing unnecessary travel if possible until temperatures rise and road conditions improve.

Winter Weather Tips and Resources

• Consider postponing travel Monday until temperatures rise
• For motorists who must travel, plan to significantly reduce speed and add following distance between vehicles. Allow extra travel time.
• Give VDOT crews space to work. Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind trucks and other equipment that are plowing or treating the road. Do not pass a snowplow or spreader.
• Check road conditions where you live: Call 511, visit www.511virginia.org or download the free mobile 511Virginia app to see real-time road conditions around the state, and view traffic cameras.
• Clean snow and ice from your vehicle before starting a trip. This will improve your visibility of the road ahead, and it will prevent snow and ice from becoming a flying debris hazard for other travelers.
• Remember to move over and slow down for stopped vehicles with flashing, blinking or alternating blue, red or amber lights.

Road Condition Definitions

During winter storms, road conditions are present on 511Virginia using three ratings: minor, moderate and severe. These terms are defined as the following:

Minor: Potential for patches of ice and snow on roadway; Passable with caution.

Moderate: Snow or ice is covering major portions of the roadway; Passable with caution.

Severe: A significant accumulation of snow or ice is blocking the roadway; Conditions are hazardous.

VDOT Customer Service Center

VDOT’s Customer Service Center is open 24 hours a day to answer questions and take reports of roadway hazards. Call at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or contact us online at https://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.

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VDOT’s 14-county Fredericksburg District includes the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford in the Fredericksburg area; Northumberland, Richmond, Lancaster and Westmoreland counties in the Northern Neck; Essex, Gloucester, King & Queen, King William, Mathews and Middlesex counties in the Middle Peninsula.

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.