| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter (540) 829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394 |
CULP-2007-16 Feb. 7, 2007 |
Motorists Advised to Allow Extra Time for Morning Travel
CULPEPER – VDOT crews are sanding and plowing major highways across Central Virginia as the snow that has fallen all night begins to taper off. Total accumulations from 1 inch to 3 inches are being reported.
Most primary roads still have significant accumulations of packed snow on the road surfaces at 4 a.m. Wednesday. Interstate 64 is reported approximately 50 percent bare pavement in Fluvanna and Louisa counties, while west of Charlottesville across Afton Mountain the interstate still has accumulations of packed snow in many places. I-66 in Fauquier County is also reported to have up to 2 inches of snow on the roadway in some locations. Secondary roads across the district are snow-covered and most have not yet been plowed or treated with sand and salt.
Crews will continue to focus on the interstates and primary highways until they are clear, shifting resources to the secondary roads as conditions warrant. Motorists should allow extra time for travel this morning and be aware that secondary roads are likely to be snow-covered and slick. Travelers should slow down and allow extra stopping distance between themselves and other vehicles.
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.
• 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.
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Most primary roads still have significant accumulations of packed snow on the road surfaces at 4 a.m. Wednesday. Interstate 64 is reported approximately 50 percent bare pavement in Fluvanna and Louisa counties, while west of Charlottesville across Afton Mountain the interstate still has accumulations of packed snow in many places. I-66 in Fauquier County is also reported to have up to 2 inches of snow on the roadway in some locations. Secondary roads across the district are snow-covered and most have not yet been plowed or treated with sand and salt.
Crews will continue to focus on the interstates and primary highways until they are clear, shifting resources to the secondary roads as conditions warrant. Motorists should allow extra time for travel this morning and be aware that secondary roads are likely to be snow-covered and slick. Travelers should slow down and allow extra stopping distance between themselves and other vehicles.
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.
• 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.
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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
