VDOT News - Fredericksburg

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are ready with staff, equipment and materials to respond to a range of severe weather conditions forecast to affect the Fredericksburg District on Wednesday.

In the Fredericksburg area, crews are fitting trucks with snowplows and loading treatment materials ahead of winter weather anticipated to bring a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain to Caroline, Stafford, Spotsylvania and King George counties. 

In the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula, more than an inch of heavy rain could lead to flooding in coastal areas, accompanied by high winds.

Interstate 95 and interstate ramps are being pre-treated today in the Fredericksburg area with a salt brine solution, and key primary routes have been pre-treated in King George. Pre-treatment prevents ice from bonding to the pavement during inclement weather, which reduces the risk of hazardous travel conditions. However, even with advance treatment, road surfaces can still be slick during snowfall.

With high winds possible districtwide, but especially in coastal areas, VDOT is coordinating with tree removal contractors to have crews available to quickly reopen roads that may be blocked by downed trees and tree limbs during the storm.

VDOT crews will mobilize early Wednesday ahead of the onset of snow in the Fredericksburg area, and they will remain mobilized 24 hours a day in 12-hour shifts until all roads are safe for travel.

Crews will apply a mix of sand and salt to reduce icing and improve vehicle traction on slippery surfaces, and will begin to plow roads once 2 inches of snow has accumulated.

Drainage facilities in low-lying areas have been cleared in anticipation of heavy rain in the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula. High water advisory signs and barricades to close roads are staged for quick deployment if needed.

What Motorists Should Know

Drivers are asked to closely monitor news and weather conditions Wednesday, and check 511Virginia for real-time road conditions before starting a trip.

Where snow, sleet and freezing rain is forecast, drivers are encouraged to be prepared to delay travel until road conditions improve. Once snowfall begins, roads may quickly become icy and slick, and visibility may be limited.

With severe weather forecast to affect a large portion of Virginia, travelers are advised that road conditions may be more severe north and west of the Fredericksburg District due to heavier snow accumulation.

VDOT Customer Service Center

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.

Twitter

Follow VDOT on Twitter at @VaDOT and VDOT Fredericksburg District at @VaDOTFRED.

Merry Point and Sunnybank Ferries

The Merry Point Ferry and Sunnybank Ferry are currently operating according to their normal schedule. For real-time updates on ferry service this week, check 511Virginia.

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VDOT’s 14-county Fredericksburg District includes the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania and Stafford in the Fredericksburg area; Northumberland, Richmond, Lancaster and Westmoreland counties in the Northern Neck; Essex, Gloucester, King & Queen, King William, Mathews and Middlesex counties in the Middle Peninsula.

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.