Old Dominion News

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has advised against travel in the Fredericksburg District due to heavy snowfall expected to continue through Wednesday morning. The district, encompassing 14 counties, is experiencing hazardous travel conditions despite pre-treatment efforts on Interstate 95 and other major roads.

VDOT emphasizes that staying off the roads is the safest option for travelers. Reduced traffic allows VDOT crews more space to efficiently clear snow. Plowing operations commence when snow accumulation reaches two inches on road surfaces. The priority is to make interstates and primary roads passable first, focusing on routes numbered 1 to 599. Crews also prioritize major secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and higher) that connect to emergency and public facilities or have high traffic volumes.

Once these main routes are cleared, attention will shift to low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets. Over 1,100 pieces of equipment are deployed across the Fredericksburg District for snow plowing and treatment.

VDOT crews are working around the clock in 12-hour shifts during the storm and afterward as necessary to maintain open and passable roads. A "passable" road condition means an 8- to 10-foot-wide path has been cleared for emergency vehicle access, though roads may still be snow-packed without bare pavement or full curb-to-curb plowing. Crews will sand hills, curves, and intersections to improve traction.

For updates on road conditions and traffic cameras, visit 511.vdot.virginia.gov. Road hazards can be reported, and questions asked at any time by calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov. For more information on snow removal procedures, refer to VDOT's weather page.