Consistent cold temperatures and another round of winter weather to impact the Commonwealth

RICHMOND — With temperatures staying near and below freezing around Virginia this evening and through the weekend, more winter weather means drivers should use extra caution when driving during and after the forecasted wintry mix. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is pretreating roads in some areas and will have crews at the ready to address roads when the frozen precipitation begins.   

With several weather events in our rearview mirror and consistently low temperatures, there may be snow and ice still present in some areas around the commonwealth. Forecasted below freezing temperatures will continue to keep pavement temperatures low and some areas are likely to experience refreeze.   

Snow removal priorities  

VDOT is responsible for snow removal on all state-maintained roads, while all cities and some towns maintain their roads. VDOT may support cities and towns, if requested. If 2 inches or more of snow accumulates on the pavement, plows will begin snow removal operations. 

Snow removal priorities are as follows: 

• The Interstate Highway System and limited-access roadways are VDOT’s first priority.  
• Primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) and major secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and up) with vital emergency and public facilities, or those with high-traffic volumes, will be cleared along with interstate and limited-access roadways as resources allow. 
• Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated after higher-priority routes are completed and additional resources are available.  

VDOT encourages all motorists to avoid non-essential travel during winter weather and, if traveling, to observe extreme caution when on the roadways. 

Travel reminders   

• Always wear your seat belt. 
• Allow more time to reach your destination.  
• Don't pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. 
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles. 
• Use extra caution in locations where pavement freezes first, including bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas.  

Information on road conditions   

Before traveling, 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 511Virginia.org 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 or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).  

For more about travel during inclement weather, visit VDOT's Weather page.