VDOT preparing roads as snow, ice storm heads for Central Virginia
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With snow, sleet and freezing rain on the way, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is preparing state roadways ahead of this weekend winter storm.
An arctic front is expected to bring wintry weather to Central Virginia starting on Saturday, Jan. 24. Our StormTracker8 team is expecting that this system will bring some snow to the region at the start, but this will become sleet and freezing rain in the early morning hours of Sunday, Jan. 25. This freezing rain will quickly freeze into ice -- and an ice storm is a dangerous thing.
In a Jan. 21 press release, VDOT said its crews are prepared for a "long-duration winter weather event," with 12-hour rotating shifts planned.
Pretreatment of Virginia's interstates, primary roads and major secondary roads will begin on Thursday, Jan. 22. This will make it harder for snow and ice to immediately bind to the pavement.
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Drivers are asked to give VDOT crews space and reduce their speeds during these pretreatment operations.
Once the snow starts to fall, VDOT crews will move into clearing snow and ice from state-maintained roads. They will prioritize interstates, then primary roads and major secondary roads that either serve vital emergency and public facilities or are highly-trafficked.
Virginians are highly encouraged to stay off the roads during this winter storm if possible. If you must drive, here are some tips:
- Check forecasts and road conditions before you get behind the wheel.
- Drive more slowly.
- Be cautious when driving on bridges, overpasses and ramps, as they freeze first.
- Give crews room to work.
You can use Virginia 511 to check road conditions throughout the state. You can do so online, via the 511 app or by calling 511.
If you have any questions, or to report hazardous road conditions, you can contact VDOT's 24-hour customer service center either by phone at 804-367-7623 or by clicking here.
