Motorists are encouraged to consider an early start to their evening commute

FREDERICKSBURG – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews in the 14-county Fredericksburg District are preparing today to respond at the onset of wintry weather, forecast to begin around 5 p.m. in the Fredericksburg area.

VDOT has 40 trucks loaded and ready to begin applying salt and abrasives on Interstate 95 in Stafford, Spotsylvania and Caroline counties in the Fredericksburg area. An additional 325 trucks will be deployed to primary and high volume secondary routes in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula.

Crews will treat roads throughout the night and early morning hours. Plowing will begin when two inches of snow has accumulated on the pavement.

VDOT crews will remain at work 24 hours a day, in 12-hour shifts, until all roads are clear and safe for travel.

Motorists are encouraged to:

• Consider an early start to their evening commute
• Avoid overnight travel, if possible.
• 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.

Winter Weather Driving Tips

• Slow down and allow extra travel time to reach your destination
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as bridges, ramps, curves and overpasses
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
• Use extra caution on roads carrying less traffic, such as subdivision streets.