| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter (540) 829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394 |
CULP-2007-09 Jan. 22, 2007 |
Allow Extra Time While Traveling in Central Virginia
CULPEPER – Motorists headed out on Monday morning should allow extra time and expect roads to be icy, particularly in the early morning hours. Travel is still hazardous due to significant amounts of ice and frozen slush, especially on secondary roads, left by the winter storm that blanketed Central Virginia with a mixture of snow and freezing rain on Sunday.
VDOT and contract crews have worked through the night to treat the roads with abrasives and chemicals and plow the slushy mix as it accumulates. Overnight the crews have shifted resources to begin clearing secondary roads across the Culpeper District.
Interstate 64 in Albemarle and Louisa counties is reported in minor condition, with mostly bare pavement but remaining patches of snow, ice and slush. I-66 in Fauquier County is also reported in minor condition. The district’s primary roads are reported in mostly minor condition but patches of ice and frozen slush remain on all roads. In Albemarle County, Routes 53, 6 and 20 are in moderate condition with significant amounts of snow and ice still on the road surfaces. Motorists traveling those roads should use extreme caution. Secondary roads across Central Virginia are still snow-covered and motorists should be alert while driving those roads, allow plenty of extra time and drive slowly.
Road conditions should improve Monday morning as VDOT crews continue to apply sand and chemicals to the roads and the temperatures rise throughout the day. Motorists should remain cautious as icy spots are likely to remain, particularly in shady spots and on low-volume secondary roads.
VDOT crews will continue snow operations around the clock until the roads are cleared. Their first priority is clearing interstate and primary highways, and resources have been shifted to secondary roads as conditions permit.
If you must be on the roads during the storm, observe the following winter driving tips:
• Make sure your vehicle is winter ready.
• Keep an emergency driving kit in your car and wear your seatbelt.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
• Do not attempt to pass snowplows and stay at least 100 feet behind them.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• When driving on ice, don’t slam on your brakes. Travel gently. Turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.
• Don’t park along the street. Snow plow drivers can’t fully clear a road if cars are in their way.
• If possible, avoid unnecessary travel when crews are clearing snow and ice from the roadways.
• Know the conditions! Before heading out, call 511 for the latest road condition information or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.
(END)
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VDOT and contract crews have worked through the night to treat the roads with abrasives and chemicals and plow the slushy mix as it accumulates. Overnight the crews have shifted resources to begin clearing secondary roads across the Culpeper District.
Interstate 64 in Albemarle and Louisa counties is reported in minor condition, with mostly bare pavement but remaining patches of snow, ice and slush. I-66 in Fauquier County is also reported in minor condition. The district’s primary roads are reported in mostly minor condition but patches of ice and frozen slush remain on all roads. In Albemarle County, Routes 53, 6 and 20 are in moderate condition with significant amounts of snow and ice still on the road surfaces. Motorists traveling those roads should use extreme caution. Secondary roads across Central Virginia are still snow-covered and motorists should be alert while driving those roads, allow plenty of extra time and drive slowly.
Road conditions should improve Monday morning as VDOT crews continue to apply sand and chemicals to the roads and the temperatures rise throughout the day. Motorists should remain cautious as icy spots are likely to remain, particularly in shady spots and on low-volume secondary roads.
VDOT crews will continue snow operations around the clock until the roads are cleared. Their first priority is clearing interstate and primary highways, and resources have been shifted to secondary roads as conditions permit.
If you must be on the roads during the storm, observe the following winter driving tips:
• Make sure your vehicle is winter ready.
• Keep an emergency driving kit in your car and wear your seatbelt.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
• Do not attempt to pass snowplows and stay at least 100 feet behind them.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• When driving on ice, don’t slam on your brakes. Travel gently. Turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.
• Don’t park along the street. Snow plow drivers can’t fully clear a road if cars are in their way.
• If possible, avoid unnecessary travel when crews are clearing snow and ice from the roadways.
• Know the conditions! Before heading out, call 511 for the latest road condition information or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.
(END)
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Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages. You may find those by searching by keyword in the search Virginia DOT box above.
Page last modified: Jan. 17, 2008
