VDOT News - Culpeper

CULPEPER — The massive storm that is swirling up the East Coast continues to blast central Virginia with heavy snow and wind. In some areas sleet is mixing with the snow at this hour. High winds are expected to continue overnight so blowing snow will contribute to hazardous driving conditions.

Roads across the region are snow-covered and the Virginia Department of Transportation continues to advise residents not to travel due to the hazardous conditions. Along with snow accumulations up to three feet, high winds, drifting snow and fallen trees are expected to create dangerous driving conditions until the storm ends late Saturday evening or early Sunday.

Roads across the nine counties of VDOT’s Culpeper District are snow covered and in moderate condition. VDOT crews and contractors are making repeated passes on Interstate 64, I-66, primary highways and high-volume secondary roads to keep them passable. Driving conditions are expected to deteriorate through the night as temperatures fall well below freezing and the snow intensifies.

VDOT will concentrate its efforts on the interstate and primary systems while the storm continues. Once those roads are in good condition the crews will shift onto the secondary system (roads numbered 600 and above) and neighborhood streets. VDOT’s goal is to have all state-maintained roads passable — though in some cases, still snow-covered — within 48 hours after a storm ends.

Motorists should avoid all but emergency travel during and immediately after the storm. Having fewer vehicles on the road will help plows do their job quicker. Be prepared to shelter in place with supplies to last several days.

Use VDOT’s free 511 tools to monitor road conditions and live traffic camera feeds. Additional information about winter-weather preparations and response can be found at www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

(END)

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.