Travelers in the Fredericksburg area are being advised to use caution on Tuesday morning due to the possibility of freezing rain leading to icy and slick road surfaces.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced that crews will begin patrolling Interstate 95 and state-maintained roads in the region starting at midnight. They will apply sand and salt as needed to help reduce icing.
According to VDOT, elevated surfaces such as bridges, overpasses, and ramps may become slippery before other parts of the roadway. Drivers are urged to exercise additional caution when crossing these areas. Lower surface temperatures can cause ice to form more quickly on these structures compared to connecting roads.
VDOT also noted that weather and road conditions could be more severe north and west of Fredericksburg on Tuesday morning. “Travelers should check road conditions on 511Virginia for their entire planned route before starting a trip,” VDOT stated.
Drivers are reminded of several safety tips: “If you travel, wear your seat belt. Plan to reduce speed and add following distance between vehicles. Allow extra travel time to avoid being rushed. Do not pass equipment applying treatment materials.”
For current road conditions, travelers can visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov, download the free 511Virginia mobile app, or call 511 for updates.
VDOT encourages residents to follow its Fredericksburg District social media accounts for real-time information and news releases, join its district group page on Facebook, or contact the VDOT Customer Service Center at any time with questions or reports about hazardous road conditions by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or online at my.vdot.virgina.gov.
Motorists are also advised to keep an emergency supply kit in their vehicle at all times and learn more about winter driving precautions from VDOT’s resources online.
