FREDERICKSBURG DISTRICT: ROAD CONDITIONS SNOW-COVERED, HAZARDOUS |
By Member PIO Bill Kennedy | |
March 3, 2014 | |
FREDERICKSBURG DISTRICT: ROAD CONDITIONS SNOW-COVERED, HAZARDOUS FREDERICKSBURG – Snow is falling in the Fredericksburg District, and many roads are now covered in snow, creating slippery and hazardous driving conditions. With snow expected to fall steadily all day, drivers are asked to stay off the roads during the storm. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are circulating throughout the District’s 14 counties. VDOT has 800 pieces of state and hired equipment to plow roads in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula. Crews will also apply salt to melt snow and ice, and will spread sand on areas where additional traction is needed, such as hills, curves, bridges, ramps and overpasses. As snow continues to fall, VDOT crews will repeatedly plow Interstate 95, primary roads and high-volume secondary roads to keep them passable. Once snow has stopped falling, crews can then turn their focus to clearing a path on roads carrying less traffic, such as low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets. VDOT’s goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable within 48 hours of a storm’s end. VDOT crews mobilized at midnight, and will continue to work 24 hours a day, in 12-hour shifts, until all state-maintained roads are safe for travel. 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). Tree removal contractors are on standby to assist VDOT with the removal of downed trees, limbs and debris. VDOT will coordinate with utility companies regarding any downed power lines that may fall across roadways. With the potential for power outages, traffic signals could be down. If motorists encounter a traffic signal without power, it should be treated as a four-way stop. Check 511Virginia for real-time road conditions by calling 511 or going to 511virginia.org. Road Clearing Priorities 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. |
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