The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is actively working to clear snow and slush from roads in the Fredericksburg area, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula following an afternoon of steady snowfall. Travelers are advised to avoid traveling overnight and early Thursday due to the potential for icy road surfaces, particularly on ramps, bridges, hills, curves, and roads with lighter traffic.
Additional snowfall is expected Thursday morning during peak commuting hours. This could lead to slippery and hazardous conditions even on roads that have already been plowed and treated. Travelers should stay updated with local weather forecasts for their entire planned route.
VDOT crews will continue their 24-hour emergency response efforts overnight and into Thursday morning. Their focus will be on improving conditions by plowing roads, starting with I-95, primary roads, and secondary roads carrying heavier traffic. Crews will also monitor for icy surfaces overnight and apply treatment materials as necessary.
Road conditions vary across the 14-county VDOT Fredericksburg District based on snow accumulation:
– **Fredericksburg Area**: Interstate 95 is in minor condition in Caroline, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties with bare pavement visible in three travel lanes but isolated patches of snow remain with a risk for overnight icy patches. Primary roads and high-volume secondary roads are in minor condition while lower-volume secondary roads range from minor to moderate condition.
– **Middle Peninsula**: Primary roads are in moderate condition with some visible pavement but significant portions covered by snow and slush. Secondary roads range from moderate to severe condition.
– **Northern Neck**: In King George County, primary and secondary roads are in minor condition. In Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, and Westmoreland counties these roads are in moderate condition.
VDOT prioritizes making interstates and primary routes passable first before focusing on major secondary routes that connect vital facilities or have high traffic volumes. Once these routes improve, crews shift attention to low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets.
A “passable” road means an 8- to 10-foot-wide path has been cleared for emergency vehicles; it may still be snow-packed without bare pavement or curb-to-curb plowing. Sanding occurs on hills, curves, and intersections for better traction.
For updates on road conditions or to report hazards contact VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or visit my.vdot.virginia.gov. More information can be found on VDOT’s weather page or through their social media channels.
