Motorists Urged to Plan Ahead for Weekend Winter Weather

With winter weather expected to impact Virginia roads Sunday into Monday, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is encouraging motorists to adjust travel plans and prioritize safety. Those returning from holiday trips or heading back to school should aim to complete their travel on Saturday before hazardous conditions develop.

VDOT’s Preparations

VDOT crews are actively pretreating roads with brine, a mixture of salt and water designed to prevent ice from bonding to the pavement. Pretreatment is underway in areas unaffected by rain, as rain can wash away the treatment. In addition, crews are addressing areas impacted by Friday’s weather.

Travel Safety Tips

If travel is unavoidable during the storm, motorists should:

• Monitor weather and road conditions along their route.
• Drive slowly, allowing extra time to reach destinations.
• Maintain a safe following distance of at least five seconds.
• Avoid passing snowplows or spreaders unless absolutely necessary.
• Exercise caution on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas where ice forms quickly.
• Carry an emergency kit in the vehicle, including blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, and other essentials.

Snow Removal Priorities

VDOT’s snow removal efforts are prioritized to ensure safety and accessibility:

1. Interstate Highways and Limited-Access Roads: These are cleared first to support high traffic volumes and emergency response.
2. Primary Roads and High-Traffic Secondary Roads: Routes vital to public services and emergency access follow as resources allow.
3. Low-Volume Secondary Roads and Subdivision Streets: These are treated after higher-priority roads are cleared.

Stay Informed

Motorists are urged to stay updated on road conditions:

• Use the VDOT 511 Mobile App or visit 511 Virginia for real-time updates on traffic, incidents, and weather.
• Contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) to report hazardous conditions.
• Access additional winter travel resources on VDOT’s weather page.

With freezing temperatures expected to persist, VDOT emphasizes that staying off the roads during winter weather is the safest choice. Motorists are encouraged to travel early or delay plans until conditions improve.