RICHMOND/HAMPTON ROADS – Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews in Richmond and Hampton Roads have begun pre-treating roads with an anti-icing agent in anticipation of tomorrow’s winter storm. According to weather forecasts, Hampton Roads and areas along the North Carolina state line to just south of Richmond may receive up to four inches of snow beginning in the early morning hours Tuesday through the afternoon. Heaviest precipitation is expected south and east of I-85. This may impact northbound drivers along I-85 and I-95 traveling to the Presidential Inauguration in Washington, DC.

VDOT and interstate maintenance contractors have applied anti-icing chemicals to the following roads:

• Richmond – Interstates 95, 85 and 295 including bridges, ramps and overpasses
• Hampton Roads – Interstates 64, 264, 564, 664 and 464 including bridges, ramps and overpasses (also I-64 between I-295 in Richmond to the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel)

Anti-icing is the application of chemicals to roads before a snow-pavement bond occurs. Anti-icing emphasizes prevention rather than reaction. Pre-treatment is a form of anti-icing where chemicals are applied to the road up to 48 hours before a snow storm to prevent a bond from forming between the roadway and snow and ice when the storm starts. VDOT strives to clear all state maintained roads within 48 hours after a winter weather event. If snow accumulates on the roads, crews will apply a sand and salt mixture to melt the snow and provide traction.

VDOT’s regional Transportation Operations Centers monitor traffic conditions, pavement temperatures and weather forecasts 24 hours a day, seven days a week. VDOT also relies on road condition reports from our Safety Service Patrols, Virginia State Police and other transportation partners.

During winter driving conditions, motorists are strongly encouraged to reduce their speed and leave at least a five second driving distance, even when roads are treated. If you have to go out, use extra caution on bridges, overpasses, curves, hills and ramps.

VDOT advises motorists to check the traffic and weather reports before heading out tomorrow morning. For the latest on road conditions and real-time traffic, call 511 or visit www.511Virginia.org.

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Page last modified: Jan. 19, 2009