| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter (540) 829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394 |
CULP-2007-015 Feb. 14, 2007 |
Driving Remains Hazardous Across Central Virginia
CULPEPER – Highways across Central Virginia are covered with a mix of sleet and slush as the sleet and freezing rain continues to fall at 4 a.m. Wednesday. Most primary routes are reported to be covered with significant accumulations of slush and crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation, supplemented with contract equipment, are moving the icy mix and spreading abrasives and salt.
Traffic is reported to be moving on Interstate 64 in Albemarle and Louisa counties although drivers are urged to continue to reduce speeds and be alert for slick spots. Similar conditions are reported on I-66 in Fauquier County.
Extremely foggy conditions are reported across the Culpeper District, particularly on I-64 and Route 250 crossing Afton Mountain, Route 33 crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains in Greene County and Route 211 in Rappahannock County. Icing conditions are also reported near the summits of all three passes. Most counties across Central Virginia are being pelted with a mix of sleet and freezing rain, while Louisa and Fluvanna counties report driving rain at this hour.
Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation, supplemented by contractors, are working on interstate, primary and high-volume secondary roads across the district. As road conditions permit the crews are moving onto more lightly traveled secondary roads and will continue to plow and spread sand and salt to provide traction and melt the wintry mix.
Travel remains hazardous for motorists who are headed out early Wednesday morning. Unnecessary travel should be avoided. Dense fog may add to the hazard of early morning travel. Those who must travel should allow plenty of extra time and expect to encounter icy conditions, especially on overpasses, bridges, ramps, crossovers and intersections. Motorists should anticipate that hazardous driving conditions will continue into the morning hours. If you must be on the roads during the storm and immediately after, 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.
For further information on incidents and road conditions throughout the state call 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-800-578-4111. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at www.511Virginia.org. Road condition information can also be obtained by calling the Highway Helpline at (800) 367-ROAD. (TTY users, call 711)
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Traffic is reported to be moving on Interstate 64 in Albemarle and Louisa counties although drivers are urged to continue to reduce speeds and be alert for slick spots. Similar conditions are reported on I-66 in Fauquier County.
Extremely foggy conditions are reported across the Culpeper District, particularly on I-64 and Route 250 crossing Afton Mountain, Route 33 crossing the Blue Ridge Mountains in Greene County and Route 211 in Rappahannock County. Icing conditions are also reported near the summits of all three passes. Most counties across Central Virginia are being pelted with a mix of sleet and freezing rain, while Louisa and Fluvanna counties report driving rain at this hour.
Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation, supplemented by contractors, are working on interstate, primary and high-volume secondary roads across the district. As road conditions permit the crews are moving onto more lightly traveled secondary roads and will continue to plow and spread sand and salt to provide traction and melt the wintry mix.
Travel remains hazardous for motorists who are headed out early Wednesday morning. Unnecessary travel should be avoided. Dense fog may add to the hazard of early morning travel. Those who must travel should allow plenty of extra time and expect to encounter icy conditions, especially on overpasses, bridges, ramps, crossovers and intersections. Motorists should anticipate that hazardous driving conditions will continue into the morning hours. If you must be on the roads during the storm and immediately after, 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.
For further information on incidents and road conditions throughout the state call 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-800-578-4111. Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at www.511Virginia.org. Road condition information can also be obtained by calling the Highway Helpline at (800) 367-ROAD. (TTY users, call 711)
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Page last modified: Jan. 17, 2008
