VDOT prepared as winter storm expected to hit Shore tonight

As approaching winter weather brings the threat for hazardous travel conditions this weekend, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District has begun preparations and stands ready to respond with crews, materials and equipment to address this weekend’s storm.

As of Thursday morning, crews have mobilized, and pretreatment operations are underway on the district’s state-maintained roadways, including the interstates on the Peninsula and Southside, as well as county primaries and some major secondary roads in the western portion of the region, the Historic Triangle, and the Eastern Shore.

Drivers are urged to stay alert for slow-moving mobile operations and to give extra space around any trucks or equipment they may encounter on the roads. Slower travel speeds are required to apply pretreatment to the road with precision and to ensure an adequate amount is absorbed in the pavement.

In addition to pretreatment operations, crews have stockpiled materials and prepared equipment to address the varying road conditions that may arise throughout the storm. Additional resources have also been brought in from outside the area for further operational support for this weekend’s storm.

Starting Saturday, VDOT staff and crews are anticipated to begin 24-hour operations, working in 12-hour shifts, to monitor, plow, and treat the interstate and state-maintained roadways as needed for the duration of the weather impacts. Storm operations are anticipated to begin with plowing the initial snowfall beginning on Saturday. Following the forecasted precipitation transition to sleet and freezing rain, crews will also be treating roadways by spreading salt and abrasives to help improve traction and melt ice. With the potential of high winds Sunday and Monday following heavy snow or significant ice accumulation, additional crews are also on standby to assist with downed trees, branches and debris that may fall across the roads.

Motorists should continue to monitor changing weather and road conditions leading up to and throughout the inclement weather. Based on the latest forecasts indicating potential for a significant icing event with a mix of winter precipitation, from snow to sleet and freezing rain, the public should complete preparations ahead of the storm to avoid all non-essential travel during and for a period following the storm, until conditions improve.

VDOT maintains all interstates, major state-maintained primary routes and county roads in Hampton Roads. Individual municipalities maintain their own primary and secondary roadways.

Additional Resources:

511 Virginia Traffic Tools: 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 511.vdot.virginia.gov or by calling 511 while in Virginia.

VDOT Customer Service Center: For questions or to report hazardous road conditions on state-maintained roadways, motorists can contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).