Road conditions remain hazardous across the Fredericksburg District this evening, and drivers are asked to continue avoiding travel as Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews work to clear downed trees and treat for potential icing.
Freezing rain is expected to continue periodically through Saturday evening in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. Although roads may appear clear, a thin layer of transparent ice may be present. Bridges, overpasses and ramps are more likely to develop ice because they are elevated and have lower surface temperatures.
VDOT crews have cleared around 300 downed trees today districtwide. Conditions are especially severe in the Route 3 corridor in Lancaster and Northumberland counties, in Caroline County in the Fredericksburg area, and in Essex, King and Queen, King William and Middlesex counties in the Middle Peninsula. Several dozen tree contractors are assisting VDOT crews with clearing obstructions to reopen roads.
“Freezing rain on top of this week’s heavy snow is weighing down trees and tree limbs, creating a falling debris hazard for anyone on the road,” said Robbie Prezioso, P.E., VDOT Fredericksburg District Maintenance Engineer. “Please postpone travel this weekend until weather conditions improve. Staying off the road is the safest choice for motorists, and it provides space for our crews to work with emergency responders and utility crews to restore power, remove trees, and treat roads.”
VDOT crews remain mobilized in emergency response, and will continue working overnight and into Sunday. Crews are applying a mix of sand and salt to roads to melt ice while providing additional traction for vehicle tires. But ice can form even on treated roads.
Temperatures overnight are expected to fall below freezing, and wet pavement is at risk for becoming slick and treacherous through Sunday morning.
511Virginia
Before starting a trip this weekend, motorists are advised to check 511Virginia for real-time road conditions along their route, as conditions may vary significantly between regions. Call 511, visit
511virginia.org, or download the
free mobile 511Virginia app.
VDOT Customer Service Center
If motorists encounter debris or another hazard in the road, do not attempt to remove it.
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 (367-7623) or online at
https://my.vdot.virginia.gov.
Social Media
Follow VDOT on Twitter at
@VaDOT and VDOT Fredericksburg District at
@VaDOTFRED.
