VDOT News - Hampton Roads
| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Hampton Roads Communications 757-956-3032 HamptonRoadsPublicInfo@VDOT.virginia.gov |
HRO-190336 Jan. 21, 2022 |
WITH SNOW IN THE FORECAST, MOTORISTS MUST STAY OFF ROADS
Crews are applying salt periodically and prepared to start plowing
SUFFOLK -- As the second winter weather event in 24 hours moves into Hampton Roads, motorists must stay off the roads in preparation for significant snowfall and hazardous conditions across the district.
Overnight weather brought rain, some snow and plummeting temperatures, and as of Friday morning, most state-maintained roads across the district are clear. Today, crews will continue closely monitoring and patrolling interstates, state-maintained primary roads and bridges and overpasses, applying salt to roadways to prevent freezing.
As the weather system moves in this afternoon, bringing heavy snow to the region, motorists must avoid or delay travel especially Friday afternoon, during evening rush hour and continuing through Saturday.
VDOT Hampton Roads has activated more than 300 trucks equipped with plows and spreaders to address the storm across the district. Crews plow where accumulation exceeds 2 inches and treat roads with salt to break down ice and apply sand in critical spots to enhance traction for vehicles.
With the possibility of high winds and heavy snow still to come, crews are also standing by to assist with downed trees, branches and debris that may fall across the roads. Avoid areas with downed power lines and trees. Report any debris or unpassable roads to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).
If travel is necessary:
- Monitor the local forecasts and changing road conditions
- Give crews time and space to treat roads, with extra caution in work zones.
- If you must travel during adverse weather conditions:
- Clear any snow or ice from your vehicle before driving.
- Ensure headlights are on in snow or rainy conditions.
- Allow plenty of time to reach your destination
- Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you
- Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement
- Do not pass snow plows
- Take extra caution in construction zones. Snow against the barrier service may result in narrower lanes.
- Visit www.511Virginia.org for the latest road conditions and closures before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.
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.
- 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 www.virginiadot.org/travel/
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Page last modified: Aug. 17, 2023