Help VDOT do its job: Stay off the roads during snowfall

RICHMOND — Just days after one winter storm concluded, another has arrived in Virginia. Help the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) safely and efficiently clear the snow by staying off the roads. 

Snow started falling on Friday afternoon in the southwest region and will affect travelers on their commutes home from work. The storm will continue across Virginia into Saturday morning. 

Crews will continue to work around the clock in 12-hour shifts to remove snow and treat state-maintained roads until they are passable. As overnight temperatures will remain below freezing over the next several days, VDOT crews will patrol state-maintained roads to treat for potential refreeze of wet pavement as snow and ice melt during the day. Slick spots are most likely to occur first on elevated surfaces, such as bridges, ramps and overpasses. 

This winter storm will also impact the neighboring state of North Carolina, so motorists planning travel that takes them into the state should monitor conditions and avoid travel as appropriate. 

Many secondary roads in western, central and northern Virginia remain icy and snow-packed from the previous storms and frigid temperatures. VDOT will be working to make roads passable for drivers to travel on them with extreme caution, but drivers should not expect bare pavement. 

VDOT prioritizes state-maintained roads that carry the most traffic for snow removal. VDOT works to make interstates and most primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) passable first. Crews also focus on major secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and higher) with vital emergency and public facilities or those with high traffic volumes. Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated after higher-priority routes are completed and additional resources are available. 

If travel is absolutely essential, drivers should use extreme caution. 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.