VDOT mobilizes for combination of winter weather forecast for Hampton Roads

Motorists directed to avoid travel during winter storm as VDOT Hampton Roads crews stand ready to respond to inclement weather conditions

As winter weather approaches the Hampton Roads region, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District is prepared to respond with materials, equipment and staffing in place and at the ready. Crews started pretreating the state-maintained roadways regionwide yesterday, completing the process today ahead of the winter storm expected to impact Hampton Roads this evening. Final storm preparations began this morning at 8 a.m., and all areas of the VDOT Hampton Roads District will have transitioned to full 24-hour operations by 8 p.m. Additionally, tree crews are on standby to address downed trees on roadways.

Once the storm begins, crews will be in 24-hour operations treating and moving snow off of the interstate and state-maintained roadways as needed. Drivers are reminded to avoid travel during the storm for their safety and to allow crews to work effectively to make roads passable.

The Eastern Shore is forecasted to receive up to 3-4 inches of snow, which crews will be working around the clock to address. Elsewhere in the region, a mix of snow, sleet and freezing rain, combined with freezing temperatures, is expected that could result in icy and hazardous conditions during and following the storm.

For the areas impacted by snow, bare pavement during and immediately after the end of the storm should not be expected. Roads that carry the most traffic get top priority. 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.

Due to the potential for icy travel conditions, VDOT advises motorists to monitor the local forecasts and changing road conditions and be prepared to avoid or adjust travel as needed. Icy conditions, most notably on overpasses, bridges and shaded areas prone to freezing first, may impact travel overnight Sunday into Monday morning, with the potential for refreezing on the roadways overnight Monday into Tuesday. VDOT will continue to monitor road surfaces, and crews will treat and address the roads as necessary over the next several days.