January 16, 2024, News Release

CULPEPER — Virginia Department of Transportation crews will work overnight to treat roadways affected by tonight’s refreeze.

Today, crews continue to treat secondary roadways and subdivisions. At this hour, most roadways are listed in minor condition and may have patches of snow and ice on the road surface.

Temperatures are forecast to be in the teens and single digits Tuesday night into Wednesday morning which means any water on roadways may refreeze creating hazardous glazing conditions and black ice.

Drivers should delay travel until later in the day when the temperature is expected to warm. If you decide to travel, be especially cautious of bridges, overpasses, ramps and intersections which are the first to freeze over. Also, be careful on sidewalks, stairs and pavement as those area may have icy spots.

The safest place during a winter storm is indoors. But if you must travel, visit 511virginia.org, call 511 or check the 511 Virginia mobile app for up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions. Remember to check conditions along your entire travel route as conditions may change farther north and west.

VDOT’S snow removal priorities

VDOT is responsible for snow removal on all state-maintained roads, while all cities and some towns maintain their roads. VDOT may support cities and towns, if requested. Snow removal priorities are as follows:

  • The Interstate Highway System and limited-access roadways are VDOT’s first priority.
  • Primary roads (routes numbered 1 to 599) and major secondary roads (routes numbered 600 and up) with vital emergency and public facilities, or those with high-traffic volumes, will be cleared along with interstate and limited-access roadways as resources allow.
  • Low-volume secondary roads and subdivision streets will be treated after higher-priority routes are completed and additional resources are available.

Make safety a priority

  • It is best not to travel during a winter weather event.
  • Monitor the forecast for your planned route and limit travel based on roadway conditions.
  • Allow more time to reach your destination.
  • Drive at lower speeds and keep a safe distance of at least five to 10 seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
  • Don’t pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary.
  • Use caution in locations where pavement freezes first, including bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas.

 Weather and travel resources

Before traveling, check roadway conditions by using VDOT’s free 511 mobile app, which offers information about road conditions, traffic, incidents, construction and congestion as well as access to traffic cameras, weather and more. Information is also available at 511Virginia.org or by calling 511 while in Virginia. Local updates about conditions in VDOT’s Culpeper District are posted to Twitter.com/VaDOTCulp.

For questions or to report hazardous road conditions, contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

For more about travel during inclement weather, visit VDOT’s weather page.