VDOT News - Northern Virginia

FAIRFAX—Crews are taking advantage of conditions today and Thursday to treat roads with anti-icing materials in northern Virginia, in anticipation of low temperatures through the rest of week and the potential for wintry precipitation over the weekend.

Throughout Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Arlington* counties (*Arlington maintains own secondary roads) crews treat about 5,200 lane miles with liquid magnesium chloride or brine in advance of winter weather. This includes interstate, primary and high-volume secondary road roads, particularly ramps, bridges, and other critical areas prone to freezing.

The Virginia Department of Transportation asks drivers to keep an eye on the forecast for freezing conditions and precipitation. Before venturing out this weekend, VDOT reminds drivers to fill their gas tanks, slow down, to be aware of potential slick spots such as shaded areas and bridges, and to use the following resources:

• Check http://www.511virginia.org/ or the 511 mobile app before you go for traffic conditions and lane closures
• Follow @VaDOTNOVA on Twitter
• Visit www.virginiadot.org/novaemergency for the latest updates and resources from VDOT in northern Virginia

This is also the perfect time to place or update an emergency kit in your car. Recommended items include:

• Water and food
• Shovel
• Ice scraper/brush
• Gloves and boots
• Phone charger
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Flares
• Ice melt/cat litter

More information at: www.ready.gov/car

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.