| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter (540) 829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394 |
CULP-2007-08 Jan. 21, 2007 |
Motorists Warned to Expect Hazardous Driving Overnight
CULPEPER – Roadways across Central Virginia are reported to be slick as freezing rain continues to fall across the area at 10 p.m. Sunday. The sleet and freezing rain began about nightfall and mixed with snow and slush already on the roads to create extremely hazardous driving conditions. Motorists are strongly urged to avoid all unnecessary travel and expect roads to remain hazardous through early Monday morning.
VDOT and contract crews will work through the night to treat the roads with abrasives and chemicals and plow the snow as it accumulates. The crews will continue working on Monday until roads are clear.
Interstate 64 in Albemarle and Louisa counties is reported in moderate condition, with much of the road surface covered with snow and slush. I-66 in Fauquier County is also reported in moderate condition. The district’s primary roads are reported in moderate condition with significant amounts of snow and slush in all lanes. Most secondary roads have not yet been plowed.
The most recent weather forecasts call for a winter weather advisory until 4 a.m. Monday, with continuing sleet or freezing rain overnight. With the temperature predicted to stay below freezing water and slush is likely to freeze on the road surfaces, making driving extremely hazardous. Motorists should plan to allow extra time if they must drive and to expect slick roads during the early morning hours Monday, including the morning commute.
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 will be 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 will work through the night to treat the roads with abrasives and chemicals and plow the snow as it accumulates. The crews will continue working on Monday until roads are clear.
Interstate 64 in Albemarle and Louisa counties is reported in moderate condition, with much of the road surface covered with snow and slush. I-66 in Fauquier County is also reported in moderate condition. The district’s primary roads are reported in moderate condition with significant amounts of snow and slush in all lanes. Most secondary roads have not yet been plowed.
The most recent weather forecasts call for a winter weather advisory until 4 a.m. Monday, with continuing sleet or freezing rain overnight. With the temperature predicted to stay below freezing water and slush is likely to freeze on the road surfaces, making driving extremely hazardous. Motorists should plan to allow extra time if they must drive and to expect slick roads during the early morning hours Monday, including the morning commute.
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 will be 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
