Weekend Winter Weather Advisory: Plan Your Travels Wisely!

RICHMOND, Va. — Drivers intending to travel to or through Virginia this weekend, including those returning home from holiday travel or heading back to school, should plan to journey on Saturday, prior to the anticipated winter weather that is expected to affect roads from Sunday into Monday.  

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will persist in pretreating roads in regions across the commonwealth where winter weather is forecasted. A blend of salt and water, referred to as brine, is utilized to assist in preventing a bond from establishing between the pavement and icy precipitation, making it easier for crews to render roads navigable. In certain areas, crews are already addressing roads affected by Friday’s weather occurrence. Pretreatment may not happen in locations where rain is predicted prior to snow and ice, as rain would wash away the treatment, rendering it ineffective. 

With colder temperatures anticipated to remain low throughout and after the storm, dangerous travel conditions are likely. It is advisable to avoid traveling during a winter weather event; however, if travel is crucial: 

• Keep an eye on the forecast for your intended route and restrict travel based on road conditions.
• Allocating additional time to reach your destination is recommended.
• Drive at decreased speeds and maintain a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are clearing the road.
• Avoid passing a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary; treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.
• Exercise caution in areas where pavement freezes first, such as bridges, overpasses, and shaded spots.
• Always carry an emergency supply kit in your vehicle in case of a breakdown or halt.

VDOT’S SNOW REMOVAL PRIORITIES  

VDOT is tasked with snow removal on all state-maintained roads, while cities and some towns are responsible for their own roads. VDOT may assist cities and towns if requested.  

The priorities for snow removal are as follows: 

• The Interstate Highway System and limited-access roadways are VDOT’s top priority.
• Primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) and significant secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and above) that serve vital emergency and public facilities, or those with high traffic volumes, will be cleared along with interstates and limited-access roadways as resources permit.
• Low-traffic secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated after the higher-priority routes have been completed and additional resources become available.

INFORMATION ON ROAD CONDITIONS  

Before embarking on your journey, verify road conditions using VDOT’s free 511 mobile app, which provides details about road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction, and congestion, as well as access to traffic cameras, weather updates, and more. Additional information is accessible at 511.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 511 while in Virginia. 

For inquiries or to report hazardous road conditions, reach VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). For further information regarding winter weather travel, visit VDOT’s weather page.