“Virginia Travel Advisory: Stay Off the Roads This Weekend!”

RICHMOND, Va. — VDOT is cautioning drivers against traveling in certain areas of Virginia from Sunday afternoon through Monday. Hazardous conditions are anticipated overnight into Monday morning as snowfall is expected at a rate of one inch per hour, with total accumulations potentially reaching 5 to 12 inches in regions such as Northern Virginia, Winchester, Harrisonburg, Fredericksburg, and parts of Central Virginia.

 

Travel is deemed inadvisable across the remainder of the state during this same period, due to a combination of rain, freezing rain, sleet, and snow, which will lead to perilous driving conditions. Low temperatures expected throughout the week are likely to result in refreeze and further complications for snow removal efforts and driving conditions.

 

The severity of the storm will necessitate multi-day efforts to ensure roadways are navigable, meaning that travelers may not immediately observe clear lanes. Snow clearance operations will require time, and the safety of the crews as well as the traveling public is of utmost importance. Reducing the number of vehicles on the road will contribute to the safety of everyone, allowing crews to perform their duties more safely and effectively.

 

Winter weather has already arrived in Virginia, resulting in rapidly deteriorating road conditions. Crews are actively treating regions in the western portion of the state. In areas expecting the impending storm, teams are positioned and prepared to commence plowing and treatment operations as soon as conditions allow.

 

VDOT’S SNOW REMOVAL PRIORITIES

VDOT is tasked with removing snow from all state-maintained highways, while cities and certain towns, including Arlington and Henrico counties, manage their own roadways. VDOT can assist cities and towns if assistance is requested.

Snow removal priorities are outlined as follows:

·    The Interstate Highway System and limited-access roads are VDOT’s top priority.

·    Primary roads (routes numbered 1 through 599) and significant secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and above) that serve essential emergency and public facilities, or those with high traffic volumes, will be cleared simultaneously with interstate and limited-access routes as resources permit.

·    Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will receive treatment after higher-priority routes are finished and if additional resources are available.

 

INFORMATION ON ROAD CONDITIONS 

If travel is absolutely necessary, verify roadway conditions by utilizing VDOT’s free 511 mobile application, which provides updates on road conditions, traffic incidents, construction, congestion, and offers access to traffic cameras, weather updates, and more. Additional information can also be found at 511.vdot.virginia.gov or by dialing 511 when in Virginia.

 

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