VDOT ready as winter storm hits Shore

Motorists directed to avoid non-essential travel Monday through Tuesday morning until conditions improve, as VDOT Hampton Roads crews stand ready to respond

Due to the next round of winter weather impacts anticipated to begin today, motorists traveling should stay alert for potentially hazardous road conditions throughout the day Monday and into Tuesday due to forecasted snowfall and temperatures below freezing. Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Hampton Roads District personnel stand ready to respond with the necessary materials and equipment to address potential road impacts.

The Eastern Shore is predicted to see approximately 1 to 3 inches of snow starting Monday morning through the afternoon, coupled with freezing temperatures through Tuesday. During winter storm events, the safest place to be is inside and off the roadways. Motorists should limit non-essential travel during the day and overnight Monday until conditions improve.

Beginning on Sunday, Dec. 7, crews began pretreating the District’s state-maintained county primary roads and some major secondary routes, including in the western portion of the region and Historic Triangle area. On Monday morning, the District began 24-hour operations with VDOT crews working around the clock in 12-hour shifts, monitoring, treating, and moving snow off the interstate and state-maintained roadways as needed. If travel is necessary, drivers are reminded to avoid travel during and following the storm until conditions improve, for their safety and to allow crews to work effectively on the roadways. While traveling, motorists should exercise caution, reduce speed and provide extra following distance to ensure safety.

With temperatures not anticipated to rise above freezing until Tuesday, icy conditions, most notably on overpasses, bridges, and shaded areas prone to freezing first, may impact travel into the morning rush hour. Following Monday’s snowfall, VDOT will continue to monitor road surfaces, and crews will treat and address the roads as necessary. In addition to plowing operations, continued treatment operations will include the spreading of sand and salt on icy patches or slick spots to improve traction Monday through Tuesday as needed.

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

If travel is unavoidable:

• Visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov/ for the latest road conditions before traveling. If possible, avoid travel until precipitation stops and road conditions improve.
• Give crews time and space to treat roads.
• If you must travel during adverse weather conditions:
• Allow plenty of time to reach your destination
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind the vehicle ahead of you
• Brake very lightly to keep your tires from slipping on pavement
• Keep an emergency winter weather kit in your vehicle, which includes food, water, first aid materials, tools, and blankets in the event of a breakdown or stoppage.