VDOT News - Northern Virginia

FAIRFAX—Northern Virginia road crews are preparing for the next winter storm, this time with a keen focus on snow, then sleet and freezing rain, causing icy conditions through Tuesday.

Over the past several days, crews have treated ramps, bridges, overpasses and portions of heavily traveled roads across northern Virginia with anti-icing materials. This helps prevent ice from bonding to the pavement and assists crews with snow and ice removal, but does not guarantee that roads won’t become slippery. As the storm transitions to freezing rain, crews will need room to continually treat roads under the frigid temperatures.

Close to 2,500 trucks will begin staging overnight, ready to plow accumulated snow, then treat roads during sleet and freezing rain across Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties.

As Monday holidays tend to be popular travel days, VDOT asks that drivers strongly consider leaving today or adjust travel plans to avoid icy conditions.

If travel is absolutely necessary:

• Watch for black ice and avoid sudden starts and stops,

• Watch for downed trees and power lines in areas with heavy icing,

• Slow down and allow road crews the right of way.

For more information:

• Check www.511virginia.org or the mobile app before leaving for latest road conditions

• Report road hazards or ask questions – 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) or report a problem

VDOT’s Northern Virginia District includes Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties (Arlington maintains its own secondary roads).

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