March 6, 2013

CONTACT:
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Kelly Hannon
540-374-3344 (office)
9:45 a.m.
540-656-0321 (cell)
Kelly.Hannon@VDOT.Virginia.Gov
8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Tina Bundy
540-899-4560 (office)
540-907-8325 (cell)
Tina.Bundy@VDOT.Virginia.Gov

INTERSTATE, PRIMARY ROADS IN MODERATE CONDITION IN FREDERICKSBURG AREA
Motorists should limit non-essential travel, and check 511Virginia for road conditions

FREDERICKSBURG – Interstate 95 and primary roads in the Fredericksburg region are in moderate condition, with snow and slush covering major portions of the travel lanes.

Due to intensifying snowfall, road conditions have deteriorated since earlier this morning. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are focusing on keeping the interstate and primary roads clear as snow accumulation increases.

Motorists are encouraged to limit non-essential travel today, to allow VDOT crews to plow roads and apply sand, salt and abrasives.

Secondary roads are in moderate condition in Caroline, Stafford and Spotsylvania counties. Secondary roads in King George County are in minor condition.

In the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, road conditions are primarily wet but clear. VDOT crews will continue to monitor weather conditions in these areas and will deploy staff, equipment, and chemicals as needed.

Stop signs, traffic signals, and other road signs may be partially or completely covered by snow this morning, due to high winds and drifting snow.

Motorists should treat all intersections as a 4-way stop when a traffic signal lacks power, is obscured by snow, or is operating in flash mode.

Road conditions may be more severe in areas immediately surrounding active work zones. Slush and wet conditions may exist near construction barriers, and motorists should use caution and adhere to work zone speed limits.

High winds are forecast for the Fredericksburg District throughout the day, which could potentially reduce visibility and cause downed trees and power lines. Motorists should be alert to road closures associated with these conditions.

Motorist Resources

Motorists can call 511, visit www.511Virginia.org, or use VDOT's 511Virginia free mobile app to find real-time road conditions in any area of the state.

Road conditions may be rated as clear, minor, moderate or severe.

· Clear: No conditions.
· Minor: Bare pavement, except for isolated spots of snow, ice or slush.
· Moderate: Snow or ice is covering major portions of the roadway.
· Severe: Significant amount of snow or ice is covering the roadway, and roadway may be partially blocked or affected by drifting snow.

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 (800-367-7623).

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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.