VDOT News - Statewide

RICHMOND, Va. – Winter weather with statewide impacts is expected to start as early as overnight tonight. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is urging motorists to watch local forecasts and conditions, and be prepared to adjust travel as needed. VDOT reminds motorists, if there is ice or snow on roadways, travel is hazardous. 

Forecasts vary across the Commonwealth, from heavy snow accumulation and significant icy conditions to rain, and VDOT urges motorists to stay home if travel is not essential.  

VDOT crews have started pretreatment operations and stand ready to clear roadways once winter weather begins. With high winds expected throughout the event, contractors are on standby to assist with downed trees, branches and debris.  

Winter weather driving tips: 

• Give crews time to treat roads.
• If you must travel during adverse weather 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 

Visit 511Virginia.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. 

Resources: 

• 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 vdot.virginia.gov.
• VDOT recently partnered with Wazeto 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. 

(END)

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.