The Shadow
RICHMOND, Va. (VR) — Crews with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) have been working through the night and into the day to plow snow after a winter storm moved through the commonwealth. Plowing efforts will be temporarily paused this evening as crews will need to focus on monitoring and treating ice that may develop from wet pavement and low temperatures.
Motorists should use extreme caution tonight and into the morning as temperatures are expected to plummet across the commonwealth and cause refreeze where pavement moisture exists. Where there are low temperatures, roads that look wet could actually be icy. Motorists should also be careful when approaching bridges, overpasses, highway ramps and shady areas where ice can form more easily.
Though the storm has made its made way through Virginia, last night’s snow accumulation impacted road conditions mostly south of Interstate 64 from Bristol to Hampton Roads. As of 2:30 p.m., most roads in this area are in minor condition, meaning there may be isolated spots of snow, ice or slush on the road to moderate condition, which means there is snow or ice on major portions of the roadway. Driving with caution is recommended.
VDOT crews are currently working to make roads passable, with a focus on those roadways that carry the most traffic. Passable means drivable with extreme caution. Drivers should not expect bare pavement immediately after the storm. For areas that have had a pass, crews will come back to those places tomorrow and will continue to work on those areas. Warmer temperatures on Sunday will also assist with removal efforts.
Motorists who may encounter plowing and treatment operations should slow down and allow space for crews so they can safely and effectively work to make roads passable.
INFORMATION ON ROAD CONDITIONS
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.
For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov
