Photo: njw1224 / E+ / Getty Images
As crews continue winter weather operations, another round of ice and snow is expected to move into Virginia this weekend. With more snow forecasted in areas across the commonwealth, motorists should continue to monitor conditions and plan travel around the weather to stay safe and avoid potential delays.
In some areas, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) began pretreating roads Wednesday with brine, a salt and water mixture, where winter weather is expected. Throughout the week, crews have already been treating roads with salt and sand to address impacts from the previous storm. Crews are also restocking materials and will begin preparing to mobilize plows and other equipment ahead of forecasted winter weather expected to arrive Friday. VDOT crews work to make the roads passable, which means drivable with extreme caution, and bare pavement should not be expected during – and for a period after – the storm.
The next round of weather is expected to bring snow and ice to most areas in Virginia, which could create dangerous road conditions. VDOT is grateful for the cooperation of motorists during the last storm – significantly reduced traffic volumes on the interstates allowed crews to operate more safety and efficiently. Continued cooperation of motorists through this approaching storm is critical for the safety of the traveling public, and the safety of VDOT crews and contractors responding to the impacts on the roads.
As overnight temperatures drop, roads are expected to refreeze, which may contribute to icy roads and hazardous driving conditions even after the precipitation ends.
INFORMATION ON ROAD CONDITIONS
Motorists should plan to travel around the winter storm. However, if travel is necessary, plan ahead and check roadway conditions by using VDOT’s free 511 mobile app, which offers information about road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather and more. Information is also available at 511.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 511 while in Virginia.