The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is maintaining 24-hour operations as it continues to address winter weather impacts on roads in the Culpeper District. Crews are currently focusing on secondary roads, subdivisions, and neighborhoods. Due to persistent below-freezing temperatures, motorists should not expect clear pavement since ice remains packed even as work continues.
In areas where snow has turned into ice, VDOT crews are applying sand and other abrasives to improve traction for drivers. These materials do not melt the ice but provide grip while cold conditions persist. The initial goal is to open roadways and enhance traction; after that, crews make repeated passes with heavy equipment to gradually break up layers of ice, especially on secondary and residential streets.
Cold temperatures are expected to continue, which means icy patches may remain overnight and during early morning hours. Drivers are advised to use caution, particularly on bridges, shaded sections of roadways, and mountain passes.
Motorists are encouraged to avoid travel if possible. Keeping traffic off the roads helps crews work more safely and ensures emergency vehicles can respond quickly if needed.
Residents clearing their driveways are reminded by VDOT not to push snow onto the roadway. Instead, they should move snow to the right side of their driveway when facing the street. Leaving an open area about 10 feet wide can help prevent plows from pushing snow back across driveway entrances as crews continue their work in neighborhoods.
“With temperatures staying below freezing, ice does not melt and can remain packed on roadways even as crews continue operations.”
To stay updated on current road conditions in Virginia’s Culpeper District or statewide, residents can visit https://511.vdot.virginia.gov for real-time information or download the free 511Virginia mobile app. They can also call 511 from any phone within Virginia.
For questions or to report hazardous road conditions at any time, residents may contact the VDOT Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623). Updates specific to local conditions in Culpeper District are available through social media channels such as X.com/VaDOTCulp and the district’s Facebook page.
