FREDERICKSBURG DISTRICT:
VDOT CREWS FOCUS ON I-95, PRIMARY ROADS
Conditions improving on interstate and key connector routes

FREDERICKSBURG – As snowfall tapers off, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are making progress clearing snow and slush from the travel lanes of Interstate 95 and primary roads in the Fredericksburg District.

Drivers are encouraged to stay off the roads today, if possible. Motorists should check 511Virginia for the latest road conditions before starting a trip by calling 511 from any phone, or visiting www.511Virginia.org.

Road conditions have improved on I-95 and primary roads in the Fredericksburg area, with bare pavement visible. Motorists will encounter sections of pavement with snow and slush.

Primary roads on the eastern end of the Northern Neck are in minor condition, with isolated areas of snow or slush coverage. In King George, Northumberland, Richmond and Westmoreland counties, primary roads are in moderate condition.

Freezing rain is falling in the Middle Peninsula, where primary roads are in clear to minor condition, with isolated sections of snow and slush coverage.

Many subdivision streets in the Fredericksburg area are completely snow-covered. Low-volume secondary roads in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula are in moderate condition, with travel lanes partially obscured with snow and slush.

VDOT crews will remain at work in emergency operations 24 hours a day, in 12-hour shifts, until all state-maintained roads are passable and safe for travel. More than 800 pieces of equipment are available in the Fredericksburg District to plow roadways and apply materials.

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).

Road Clearing Priorities
Crews focus efforts first on those roads that carry the most traffic. Crews begin clearing interstates, primary roads and major secondary roads that connect localities, fire stations, employment hubs, military posts, schools, hospitals and other important public facilities, followed by secondary roads and subdivision streets.

Driveway Clearing Tips

To make as many roads passable as quickly as possible, VDOT plow operators will push snow off the roadway in smooth, continuous passes. It ends up along road shoulders, sometimes blocking driveways.

To avoid doing double work, wait until a plow has cleared your street before shoveling snow from the end of a driveway.

For motorists who must shovel the end of their driveway before a plow arrives, shovel it to the right of your driveway as you face the road.
Road Condition Definitions

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.