TRAVEL CONDITIONS REMAIN HAZARDOUS
Snow, sleet and rapid refreeze will remain an issue
FAIRFAX─ The Virginia Department of Transportation continues to advise motorists to stay off roads in northern Virginia today. Snow, sleet and refreeze throughout the afternoon will cause a wide range of road conditions. 4,000 trucks are making headway plowing interstates, major roads and neighborhood streets simultaneously.
“We urge drivers to stay off roads while conditions are still changing,” said Branco Vlacich, VDOT’s northern Virginia district maintenance engineer. “It is imperative to the safety of drivers as well as our snow crews.”
On the roads:
- Interstates are mostly clear and wet. Primary roads are partially clear with some lanes open, and many secondary roads remain snow-covered. Roads that appear to be bare pavement may become slick from sleet and refreeze.
- If stranded, keep vehicle lights on and avoid getting out of your vehicle. Call #77 (Virginia State Police) who will dispatch VDOT Safety Service Patrol. Call 911 in case of an emergency.
In neighborhoods:
- Residents can enter their address at www.vdotplows.org to see the status of plowing in their neighborhood and watch trucks as they travel their plow routes.
- Crews will plow streets and sand hills, curves and intersections to provide traction. With this deep snow, roads will have an eight-to-ten foot path but not bare pavement.
- Keep vehicles in driveways or on the odd-numbered side of the street to allow plows room to pass.
- Wait until plow passes. When shoveling, leave the last few feet at the curb until the street is plowed. as the truck will push some snow back. Shovel to the right facing the road.
Stay informed:
- Twitter: @vadotnova
- Real-time traffic info: 511 app, @511northernva and www.511virginia.org
- Report road problems: 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov
- More info on northern Virginia’s snow removal program
