| RELEASE: CONTACT: |
IMMEDIATE Lou Hatter (540) 829-7537 Louis.Hatter@VDOT.Virginia.gov Odile Brookings 540-829-7394 |
CULP-07-TA11 Dec. 7, 2007 |
Route 29 Reopened to Traffic; Motorists Should Continue to Use Extreme Caution
CULPEPER – Route 29 has reopened to traffic in both directions after earlier crashes were cleared from the highway. Freezing rain is still reported falling across parts of Central Virginia and icing conditions are still being reported on roadways across the area. Driving remains hazardous and motorists should use extreme caution if they must drive.
Route 29 was closed for several hours this morning after a tractor-trailer jackknifed on the road south of the town of Culpeper. Multiple crashes were also reported in northern Madison County near Leon.
Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation are out across Central Virginia, applying abrasives and chemicals to the roadways to provide traction and help melt the ice. Motorists are advised to avoid travel if possible. Temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing later today and the precipitation should change to rain this afternoon.
If you must be on the roads today, allow plenty of extra time and expect to encounter icy conditions, especially on overpasses, bridges, ramps and crossovers. Icing conditions may return this evening when the temperature drops again. Travelers should also 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.
• 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.
• Know the conditions! Before heading out, call 511 for the latest road condition information or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.
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Route 29 was closed for several hours this morning after a tractor-trailer jackknifed on the road south of the town of Culpeper. Multiple crashes were also reported in northern Madison County near Leon.
Crews from the Virginia Department of Transportation are out across Central Virginia, applying abrasives and chemicals to the roadways to provide traction and help melt the ice. Motorists are advised to avoid travel if possible. Temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing later today and the precipitation should change to rain this afternoon.
If you must be on the roads today, allow plenty of extra time and expect to encounter icy conditions, especially on overpasses, bridges, ramps and crossovers. Icing conditions may return this evening when the temperature drops again. Travelers should also 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.
• 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.
• Know the conditions! Before heading out, call 511 for the latest road condition information or visit www.VirginiaDOT.org.
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Page last modified: Jan. 17, 2008
